Small in the City
What’s inside...
Ser pequeno em uma grande cidade pode ser um pouco assustador, mas talvez ajude saber que você não está sozinho. Em seu primeiro livro como autor e ilustrador, o premiado artista Sydney Smith convida o leitor a mergulhar na vastidão e na inquietude de uma metrópole através dos olhos de uma criança. It can be a little scary to be small in a big city, but this child has some good advice for a very special friend in need. Winner of the Ezra Jack Keats Award, A New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Book of the Year, Winner of the CILIP Kate Greenaway Medal.
Age
4-8
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
The Child
Discussion points
How do you think the child in the story feels about the city? Why?
What are some ways the child finds to feel safe and comfortable in such a big place?
Can you find some special small places around our home or neighborhood that make you feel happy?
What might be some challenges of living in a big city? How do you think you would handle them?
How does the city change from the beginning to the end of the book? What do you think these changes represent?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by reflecting on your own experiences in big cities or crowded places to relate to the story. Take turns pointing out details in the illustrations that tell more about the city and the child's journey. Encourage your child to express how they might feel in similar situations and explore their responses empathetically. Lastly, tie in personal experiences or plans involving city visits to make the discussion more relevant and engaging.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: The protagonist navigates a large, intimidating city alone, demonstrating courage and determination.
Real-World Application: Children learn to handle challenging situations and environments with confidence and perseverance.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: The child in the story shows concern for missing pets and the feelings of others, illustrating a deep sense of empathy.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be considerate of the feelings and experiences of others in their community.
Example Lesson: Observation and awareness
Explanation: As the child traverses the city, they notice small details and places that could be overlooked, highlighting the importance of being observant.
Real-World Application: Children are taught to be more aware of their surroundings and to pay attention to detail in their daily lives.
Example Lesson: Independence and self-reliance
Explanation: The young character's journey through the city alone shows a level of independence and self-reliance.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to develop their own independence in safely exploring the world around them.
Example Lesson: Hope and perseverance
Explanation: Despite the challenges, the protagonist maintains hope throughout the journey, portraying a positive outlook.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of hope and continuing to strive towards their goals despite difficulties.