Simon's Skin
What’s inside...
Simon thinks his skin is bo-rring and seeks excitement by 'trying on' different skins, only to face various challenges with each one. Eventually, Simon makes a pleasant discovery about his own skin and learns to appreciate it.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Simon felt when he realized his skin was different colors? Can you think of a time you felt different?
Why do you think it's important for everyone to have friends who are different from them?
What would you do if you saw someone being teased about something they couldn't change? How can we help?
How did Simon's friends help him feel better about his unique skin?
What do you think is the message of the story? How can we apply it in our lives?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about being unique and discuss the benefits of diversity, emphasizing understanding and acceptance.
Help your child relate to Simon by sharing personal experiences regarding differences and how they have or could handle them.
Discuss the importance of empathy and kindness, and brainstorm ways to show these qualities in daily life.
While reading, point out how Simon's emotions change throughout the book and ask your child to guess why, reinforcing emotional intelligence.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing diversity
Explanation: Simon's Skin showcases various characters with different skin colors, demonstrating the beauty and normalcy of diversity.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and respect differences among their peers, fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment.
Example Lesson: Self-acceptance
Explanation: The book tells the story of Simon feeling different due to his unique skin but eventually learning to love and accept himself as he is.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply this lesson by developing confidence in their unique traits and understanding that self-worth comes from within.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: Through interactions with other characters, Simon learns to understand and empathize with others who might feel out of place.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be more empathetic and understanding towards others' feelings and situations.
Example Lesson: Friendship
Explanation: Simon's journey brings him closer to friends who accept and appreciate him for who he is, showing the importance of true friendship.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of building and maintaining positive relationships based on mutual respect and understanding.
Example Lesson: Courage
Explanation: Simon shows bravery in embracing his uniqueness and expressing himself, despite initial fears and doubts.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to face their fears and express themselves courageously in various aspects of life.