Starring Carmen!
#1 in Carmen Series
What’s inside...
Meet Carmen! She LOVES the spotlight and applause. She's an actress, a singer, a dancer-a one-girl sensacion! She exhausts her parents with her nightly performances and completely overshadows Eduardo, her adoring little brother. But when Eduardo shows his big sister how much he loves her in a way even Carmen can't ignore, will Carmen realize that the stage is big enough for two? Exuberant illustrations by Lorena Alvarez Gomez offer the perfect complement to Anika Denise's warm, Spanish-sprinkled text in this celebration of theater, family, and imagination.
Character compass
Carmen
Eduardo
Discussion points
What do you think makes Carmen such a lively and creative character?
How do you think Carmen feels when she performs her shows?
What are some ways Carmen shows her love for her family through her performances?
Can you think of a time when you put on a show or created something special for others? How did you feel?
Why do you think it's important for Carmen to have an audience, and what does that teach us about sharing our talents?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the book by relating it to their own experiences. Ask them to think about times they've performed or created something and how it made them feel. Highlight the importance of family and teamwork, as seen in Carmen's interactions with her family. Discuss the significance of expressing oneself creatively and the joy of sharing one's talents with others. Overall, use the discussion to foster a deeper understanding of creativity and self-expression.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of empathy
Explanation: Carmen learns to understand her little brother's feelings and perspective, especially when she realizes that he too wants to be part of her shows.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to recognize and respect the feelings of others, helping to build stronger relationships with siblings and peers.
Example Lesson: Creativity and self-expression
Explanation: Carmen uses her vivid imagination to write, direct, and star in her own productions, showcasing her creative talents.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to explore their own creative talents and express themselves through art, drama, or storytelling, boosting their self-confidence and communication skills.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and collaboration
Explanation: Throughout the story, Carmen learns the value of including others in her creative projects, which enhances the end result.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the importance of working with others to achieve a common goal, an essential skill for group projects in school and beyond.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Carmen takes charge of her productions from start to finish, learning to manage various aspects responsibly.
Real-World Application: Instills a sense of responsibility in children, as they learn that leading activities also involves overseeing and managing different elements effectively.
Example Lesson: Appreciation for diversity
Explanation: The book showcases diverse characters and cultural elements, reflecting a broad spectrum of humanity.
Real-World Application: Helps children understand and embrace diversity, promoting inclusiveness and respect for different cultures and backgrounds in their community.