Not part of a series
POP! and Mum Has a Ban
2021 by
on Goodreads (1)
What’s inside...
The book captures the adventures of a young child named Kim navigating everyday challenges with the help of her imaginative flair and her friend Meg. They encounter various situations, including a mother's unusual ban that teaches them valuable lessons. The story takes a magical turn when Kim's mum, who is great at magic, plays a trick on Nan that leads to unexpected chaos. As a result, Nan gives Kim's mum a ban, leaving Kim and Meg to figure out how they can still have fun.
Why read this book
- Vibrant illustrations enhance the storytelling experience.
- Encourages family bonding through shared reading moments.
- Addresses conflict resolution with humor and empathy.
- Strengthens early literacy and comprehension skills.
The Big Picture
- Promotes empathy through family misunderstandings
- Encourages dialogue on conflict resolution
- Highlights importance of expressing feelings
- Bridges book themes to everyday family challenges
Diversity & Representation
- Showcases multicultural families, promoting inclusivity and understanding.
- Characters from diverse backgrounds enhance cultural awareness.
- Illustrations depict a variety of family structures and lifestyles.
Age
6-10
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
intermediate
Character Compass
Discussion points
What do you think Mum's ban was all about and why do you think she decided on that?
How did the characters feel when Mum announced the ban? Can you think of a time when you felt the same way?
What are some ways the characters tried to cope with or adjust to the ban?
What did you learn from how the story ended? What would you have done differently if you were one of the characters?
Can you think of a rule at home or school that reminds you of Mum's ban? How do you feel about that rule?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive read-aloud techniques to bring the characters and emotions to life, making the story more relatable and engaging for your child.
Pause at key moments in the story to ask your child how they think a character is feeling, encouraging them to develop empathy and emotional awareness.
Relate the book’s themes to your child’s experiences by discussing similar situations they might have encountered, enhancing their personal connection to the story.
After reading, encourage your child to draw a picture or write a short story about what they would do if faced with a similar ban, fostering creativity and deeper understanding.
Discuss the consequences of rules and bans both in the book and in real life, helping your child understand why certain restrictions may be necessary and how they can be beneficial.
What parents love
Perfect blend of fun and moral lessons.
Engaging story, keeps kids hooked till the end.
Great for initiating conversations about rules.
My child loved the characters and their adventures.
Key Lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of sharing
Explanation: In the book, Mum emphasizes the value of sharing toys with friends and family, which fosters a sense of community and cooperation.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by sharing their belongings with siblings or classmates, enhancing their social interactions and empathy towards others.
Example Lesson: Listening to elders
Explanation: Mum's advice and rules are highlighted throughout the book, teaching children the importance of respecting and listening to their elders' guidance.
Real-World Application: Kids can practice this by following directions from parents and teachers, thereby improving their ability to learn and cooperate in a structured environment.
Example Lesson: Creative problem-solving
Explanation: The story showcases Mum and child figuring out fun, innovative ways to tidy up, turning chores into engaging games.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to approach daily challenges with creativity, making mundane tasks enjoyable and cultivating a positive attitude towards problem-solving.
Example Lesson: Expressing love and appreciation
Explanation: Expressions of gratitude and affection towards Mum are a recurring theme, highlighting the importance of showing love to family members.
Real-World Application: Children can express their feelings through words, hugs, or small acts of kindness, strengthening family bonds and fostering emotional intelligence.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: The child learns to take responsibility for their actions as they help Mum clean up after playing, teaching accountability.
Real-World Application: This can be mirrored in a child’s life by taking care of their personal space, schoolwork, and duties, thus building their sense of responsibility and independence.