Small Places, Close to Home
What’s inside...
This book is a poetic and moving adaptation of the U.N. Universal Declaration of Human Rights, honoring its seventy-fifth anniversary. It emphasizes that the rights of children and all living beings start in the small, everyday places close to home—like backyards, city parks, schools, and homes. Authored in recognition of the declaration originally drafted by Eleanor Roosevelt and signed in 1948, this adaptation reminds us that we all have inalienable rights and responsibilities to uphold these rights for others. It underscores the importance of living freely, feeling safe, belonging, learning, and dreaming.
Discussion points
What are some of the small places close to our home that make you feel happy and why?
How do the characters in the book use their imaginations to turn ordinary places into special ones?
Can you think of a time when a small place felt like a big adventure to you?
How do you think the places close to home influence the characters in the story?
What have you learned from the book that you would like to try or explore in your own neighborhood?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to share personal experiences that relate to the story, fostering a deeper connection to the themes.
Prompt your child to draw or describe their ideal small place close to home, helping them engage creatively with the book’s content.
Discuss the importance of community and environment as illustrated in the book, emphasizing how surroundings shape our experiences.
After reading, take a walk with your child to explore and discuss the small, wonderful places in your own neighborhood.
Use expressive reading techniques, such as different voices for characters and dramatic pauses, to make the story more vivid and engaging.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Value of Family and Community
Explanation: The story emphasizes the importance of strong familial bonds and close-knit community relationships through the protagonist's interactions and experiences.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and foster relationships with family members and neighbors, understanding their crucial roles in personal development and support.
Example Lesson: Appreciation for Nature
Explanation: Through the vivid descriptions and adventures close to home in natural settings, the book teaches children to observe and cherish the natural world around them.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to explore their own environments, engage in outdoor activities, and develop a sense of responsibility towards preserving nature.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Imagination
Explanation: The protagonist's adventure showcases the use of imagination when playing and exploring, highlighting how creativity can transform ordinary places into extraordinary ones.
Real-World Application: Children are motivated to use their imagination in play and learning, boosting creativity and problem-solving skills in everyday situations.
Example Lesson: Courage to Explore
Explanation: The book inspires bravery in discovering new experiences and places, even if they're just around the corner, showing the protagonist overcoming fears.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children feel confident in trying new activities, visiting new places, and stepping out of their comfort zones.
Example Lesson: Observation and Learning
Explanation: Throughout the story, the protagonist learns about the world through observation and interaction, emphasizing the educational value of being attentive and curious.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by being observant learners at school and home, enhancing their educational and personal growth by paying attention to detail.