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Song of the Old City

3.72
on Goodreads (192)

What’s inside...

This lyrical, whimsical picture book, set in the old city of Istanbul, celebrates kindness and generosity of spirit.Follow one little girl on her busy day through the old city of Istanbul--from the Galata bridge to the Grand Bazaar--as the city opens its arms to her. All along the way, the generous people she meets share many gifts with her: sesame rounds, hot tea, a boat ride, rose candy, pomegranate juice, even a scrub in a Turkish bath! But she doesn't just keep the gifts for herself. At every turn, she finds a way to share what has been given to her and pass it on so others can enjoy it too.With poetic text and radiant artwork, author Anna Pellicioli and Turkish illustrator Merve Atilgan bring us this heartwarming tale of kindness and generosity in the city known as the crossroads of the world.
Age
3-7
Length
40 pages
Text complexity

Discussion points

What part of the old city would you like to visit and why?
How do you think the main character feels when she explores the city?
Can you think of ways you help your friends like the girl helps her friends in the story?
What sounds or smells do you imagine when reading about the old city?
What have you learned about different cultures from this book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Highlight the sensory descriptions in the story, such as sounds and smells, to help your child imagine the setting.
Discuss the importance of community and helping others as portrayed in the book, relating it to your child’s experiences with friends or family.
Encourage your child to describe what they visualized about the old city, fostering their imagination and attention to detail.
Bridge connections between the culture in the book and your family’s own cultural experiences or traditions.
After reading, consider researching more about the city or culture depicted in the book as a fun, educational activity together.

Key lessons

Example Lesson: Empathy and kindness
Explanation: The protagonist, Mai, interacts kindly with various vendors and neighbors in the old city, showing empathy towards their lives and stories.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to understand and share the feelings of their peers and adults, promoting a more compassionate approach to others in their community.
Example Lesson: Appreciation of cultural diversity
Explanation: The vivid depiction of the old city and its inhabitants introduces children to diverse cultures and traditions, celebrating the differences that make communities unique.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to explore and appreciate the diverse cultural backgrounds of people around them, fostering an inclusive attitude.
Example Lesson: Sharing and generosity
Explanation: Mai shares her musical talents and joy with the people she meets, which enriches her community interactions.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of sharing their own talents and possessions to spread happiness and strengthen community bonds.
Example Lesson: Courage to explore
Explanation: Mai confidently navigates through the old city, showing bravery as she explores unfamiliar places and meets new people.
Real-World Application: This lesson can inspire children to be adventurous and courageous when facing new environments or experiences.
Example Lesson: Value of storytelling
Explanation: The book highlights the stories of the city's inhabitants, emphasizing the importance of each person’s narrative.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to value and preserve their own stories and those of others, understanding the role of storytelling in shaping our worldviews and connections.