Petar's Song
illustrations by
on Goodreads (10)
What’s inside...
Petar loves playing his violin and his music keeps the whole village dancing. However, when war breaks out, Petar, his mother, and brother are forced to flee the country, leaving their father behind in the village with the other men. Devastated, Petar finds himself unable to play music. But, eventually, a song of peace, spring, and new beginnings starts to form in his head, reigniting his passion for music.
Age
6-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did Petar's song make you feel?
Why do you think Petar chose to express himself through music?
What do you think the story tells us about the importance of being true to ourselves?
Can you think of a time when you felt like Petar, and how did you handle it?
What would you do if you were Petar's friend and saw him feeling sad?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express how the book makes them feel, not just what happens in the story.
Ask your child to relate Petar's experiences to their own, fostering a deeper personal connection to the themes.
Discuss the importance of self-expression and being true to oneself, using examples from Petar’s musical journey.
Prompt your child to think about empathy by asking how they would respond to a friend in a similar situation as Petar.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of Compassion
Explanation: Throughout 'Petar's Song,' the protagonist, Petar, shows kindness to animals and people in need, demonstrating compassion.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to empathize with others' feelings and situations, helping them to be kinder to classmates and strangers alike.
Example Lesson: Value of Perseverance
Explanation: Petar faces various challenges but continues to strive towards his goals, illustrating perseverance.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of persisting through difficulties, whether it be in school tasks or personal goals.
Example Lesson: Creativity's Power
Explanation: Petar uses his imagination and musical skills to solve problems and help others, showcasing creativity’s role in overcoming obstacles.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to think creatively in their own problem-solving, whether in academic projects or in play.
Example Lesson: Joy of Sharing
Explanation: Petar shares his musical talent, bringing happiness to his community, emphasizing the joy of sharing.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of sharing their own talents and possessions to spread joy and help others.
Example Lesson: Respect for Nature
Explanation: The story highlights Petar's interaction with nature and animals, promoting respect and care for the environment.
Real-World Application: This can motivate children to engage in environmentally friendly practices such as recycling and conserving water.