Santarella
What’s inside...
Santarella is an enchanting tale of a young girl's journey through a magical land filled with whimsical creatures and challenging quests. As she navigates the perils of Santarella, she discovers the true meaning of courage, friendship, and self-discovery. In a hilarious retelling of Cinderella, it's Christmas Eve, and Cinderella is left alone by her sisters. However, her night takes a turn when Santa Claus shows up needing her help due to a hurt back. Together, they embark on a journey to deliver toys around the world, and in the end, Cinderella finds something more fulfilling than attending a party. The story offers a fun and humorous spin on the traditional fairy tale with rhyming text and energetic illustrations.
Age
3-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think Santarella felt when she started her adventure? Why?
How do you think the different characters in the book helped Santarella on her journey?
What would you have done if you were in Santarella's shoes when she faced challenges?
How do you think Santarella changed from the beginning to the end of the story?
What was your favorite part of the book and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading each chapter, ask your child to predict what might happen next and discuss their predictions.
Encourage your child to draw a picture of their favorite scene from the book. This can spark conversation about why they enjoyed that particular part.
Use expressive voices for different characters to make the reading experience more engaging and ask your child who their favorite character is and why.
After finishing the book, have your child summarize the story in their own words, which can help reinforce their understanding and recall.
Connect themes from the book to your child's own experiences, such as times they've tried something new or helped a friend, to deepen their connection to the material.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of Kindness
Explanation: In 'Santarella', the protagonist demonstrates kindness by helping a lost animal find its way home, showcasing empathy and compassion.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by helping their peers, sharing their toys, or supporting family members, fostering a caring community around them.
Example Lesson: Value of Perseverance
Explanation: Throughout the book, the characters face various challenges but continue to strive towards their goals, illustrating the importance of not giving up despite obstacles.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to keep trying in difficult situations, whether in learning new skills or solving problems at school.
Example Lesson: Importance of Teamwork
Explanation: The characters in 'Santarella' work together to solve a problem, highlighting how collaboration can achieve more than working alone.
Real-World Application: This lesson can be mirrored in children's group activities, such as group projects or team sports, demonstrating the power of cooperation.
Example Lesson: Respect for Diversity
Explanation: Characters from different backgrounds come together in the story, teaching respect for others' differences and embracing diversity.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate diverse cultures and perspectives, enhancing social harmony and understanding in their own environments.
Example Lesson: Joy of Exploration
Explanation: The central theme of adventure in 'Santarella' encourages curiosity and the exploration of the unknown.
Real-World Application: Kids can be motivated to explore new subjects, engage in creative play, and ask questions about the world around them, enriching their learning experience.