Sam and the Lucky Money
What’s inside...
Illustrated by Cornelius Van Wright & Ying-Hwa Hu; Anticipating spending his gift of Lucky Money on Chinese New Year's day, Sam accompanies his mother to Chinatown, where he watches a dancing New Year's lion, visits many colorful and good-smelling shops, and learns a special lesson.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Sam felt when he realized what he could do with his lucky money?
Why is sharing important, and how can it make others feel?
What would you do if you were in Sam's shoes with the lucky money?
How do the different reactions of people in the story show us what they value?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by asking your child what they remember about the story, to ensure they understand the narrative.
Encourage your child to think about the emotions of different characters by asking how they might feel in similar situations.
Discuss the concept of choices and consequences that come with decisions as shown in the book to teach moral values.
Use examples from everyday life to connect the theme of generosity and community shown in the book to real-world scenarios your child might encounter.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Value of Money
Explanation: Sam learns the value of money as he navigates through his spending choices with the money he received for Lunar New Year.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to make thoughtful decisions about spending versus saving, understanding that money is a limited resource.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Generosity
Explanation: After seeing a homeless man, Sam chooses to use his 'lucky money' to help the man rather than buy something for himself.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to be mindful of the needs of others around them and promotes acts of kindness and generosity.
Example Lesson: Understanding Different Emotions
Explanation: Throughout the book, Sam experiences various emotions, from excitement to disappointment and ultimately satisfaction.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to identify and manage their own emotions, and understand that it's normal to feel a range of emotions.
Example Lesson: Cultural Awareness
Explanation: The book introduces children to aspects of Chinese New Year traditions through the eyes of Sam and his experiences.
Real-World Application: Children gain an appreciation and respect for cultural traditions different from their own, fostering a sense of global citizenship.