Stella Brings the Family
What’s inside...
Stella's class is having a Mother's Day celebration, but Stella has two daddies and no mom to invite. Despite this, Stella is surrounded by love and support from her Papa, Daddy, and other loved ones. In this sweet story, Stella finds a unique solution to her party problem, showcasing themes of love, acceptance, and the true meaning of family.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-6
Length
36 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think makes a family special after reading about Stella's family?
How did Stella feel when she thought about who to bring to her school's Mother's Day celebration?
What are some ways Stella's classmates' families are different from each other?
Why is it important to respect and celebrate all types of families?
How can we show love and appreciation for our own family members?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage open-minded discussions by affirming your child's thoughts before sharing your own perspective. Use examples from the book to highlight the diversity in family structures, promoting inclusivity and understanding. Emphasize the message that love is what makes a family, fostering empathy and a broader worldview in your child.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Diversity and inclusion
Explanation: Stella Brings the Family showcases a non-traditional family structure, as Stella worries about who to bring to her school's Mother's Day celebration since she has two dads. The story illustrates that families can come in various forms but are all bound by love.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate and respect different family dynamics among their peers, promoting inclusivity and understanding in real-life interactions.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: Stella faces a dilemma about who to invite to the Mother's Day event at her school. Instead of feeling defeated, she creatively decides to invite all the people in her life who care for her like a mother would.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to think outside the box and find solutions to challenges they face, using their critical thinking skills effectively.
Example Lesson: Importance of community support
Explanation: Throughout the book, Stella receives support from her friends and other family members, which helps her resolve her problem. It emphasizes how community and familial support play crucial roles in a child's life.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to value and seek support from those around them, understanding that it's okay to ask for help and that many people care about their well-being.
Example Lesson: Expressing gratitude
Explanation: In the story, Stella shows appreciation to all the people who nurture her, acknowledging their efforts and love. This teaches the importance of expressing gratitude towards those who care for us.
Real-World Application: Inspires children to openly express their gratitude towards family members, teachers, and friends, fostering an environment of respect and kindness.
Example Lesson: Embracing unique family traditions
Explanation: Stella and her dads have their unique way to celebrate special occasions, which may differ from the traditional norms but are equally meaningful.
Real-World Application: This can help children recognize and celebrate the uniqueness of their own family's traditions and see the beauty in the differences that make their family special.