Starla Jean
#1 of 3 in Starla Jean Series
What’s inside...
Printz Honor winner and National Book Award Finalist Elana K. Arnold makes her chapter book debut with this charming story of a girl named Starla Jean and her chicken, irresistibly illustrated by A. N. Kang. Starla Jean is full of moxie, clever as a fox, and obsessed with catching a chicken she finds at the park. When she first sees the scrawny bird wandering around, she just knows they're destined to be together. Her dad challenges her with 'If you can catch it, you can keep it,' leading Starla Jean on a spirited adventure to catch the chicken.
Character compass
Starla Jean
Opal Egg
Dad
Discussion points
What did you like most about Starla Jean and why?
How did Starla Jean show kindness and bravery in the story?
What would you do if you were in Starla Jean's situation?
How do you think the story would change if it happened in our town?
What did you learn from Starla Jean's adventures?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading: Change your voice for different characters to make the story come alive and keep your child engaged.
Relate to personal experiences: After reading, connect events in the book to your child's own life, enhancing understanding and empathy.
Predict the plot: Pause at exciting moments and ask your child what they think will happen next, fostering imagination and anticipation.
Discuss morals and lessons: Talk about the important lessons Starla Jean learns and how they can be applied in your child's life, reinforcing positive values.
Encourage creativity: Invite your child to draw their favorite scene or character from the book, deepening their connection to the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: Throughout the book, Starla Jean demonstrates understanding and kindness towards others, reflecting how she perceives and reacts to the feelings of those around her.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to recognize emotions in others and respond with compassion, improving their interactions and relationships at school and home.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Starla Jean takes on tasks that require her to be accountable for her actions, showing the importance of fulfilling commitments.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to take ownership of their chores or schoolwork, thereby boosting their independence and reliability.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: The book showcases Starla Jean creatively solving problems that arise in the story, highlighting critical thinking and resourcefulness.
Real-World Application: Children can apply these problem-solving skills in various scenarios, such as resolving conflicts with peers or overcoming obstacles in their daily activities.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: Starla Jean faces challenges but does not give up, teaching persistence even when faced with difficulties.
Real-World Application: Kids can mirror this resilience in personal goals or academic tasks, fostering a never-give-up attitude towards achieving success.
Example Lesson: Curiosity
Explanation: Starla Jean's inquisitive nature leads her to explore and learn new things in the story, emphasizing the value of curiosity.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to seek knowledge and explore new interests, enhancing their educational experience and personal growth.