Stink Bug Saves the Day!: The Parable of the Good Samaritan (The Bug Parables)
The Bug Parables Series
on Goodreads (11)
What’s inside...
In this retelling of the Good Samaritan parable, Papa Roly-Poly, left bruised and wounded after being accosted by a gang of flies, finds help from an unexpected source. Mom and Pop Roly Poly and their little Rolies, Junior and Sissy, find themselves face-to-face with some biker flies. It looks like big trouble for Pop! Will anyone stop to help him? Someone will---the last person anyone expects. This retelling of The Good Samaritan teaches the importance of being a good friend and showing kindness to others, even from unexpected sources.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Stink Bug
Discussion points
What do you think motivated Stink Bug to help the other bugs?
How did the other bugs react when Stink Bug helped them?
Why is it important to help others, even if they are different from us?
Can you think of a time when you helped someone? How did it make you feel?
How can we be good friends to those who need our help?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading to bring the characters to life, changing your tone for different bugs to keep your child engaged.
After reading, relate the story to your child's experiences by discussing a time they helped someone or were helped by someone.
Encourage your child to think about how the story can apply to their daily interactions at school or with friends.
Praise your child's insights during the discussion to boost their confidence in expressing their thoughts and feelings.
Consider role-playing a scenario from the book with your child to help them understand the emotions and actions of the characters.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and kindness
Explanation: Stink Bug learns to help others in need, regardless of their background or circumstances.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by being considerate and offering help to their peers or family members who are in distress or need assistance.
Example Lesson: The importance of helping others
Explanation: The narrative follows Stink Bug as he aids another bug who was ignored by others, teaching the value of taking action to assist.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be proactive in their communities, extending a helping hand without waiting for others to act first.
Example Lesson: The impact of good deeds
Explanation: Through the story, children see the positive outcomes that result from Stink Bug's compassionate actions.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn that their actions have consequences and that positive actions lead to positive outcomes, reinforcing the importance of personal responsibility.
Example Lesson: Non-judgmental behavior
Explanation: Stink Bug demonstrates acceptance and assistance without prejudice towards the other bug’s identity.
Real-World Application: Children are taught to interact with others without preconceived notions, promoting inclusivity and respect for diversity in real life.
Example Lesson: Courage to do the right thing
Explanation: Despite others passing by, Stink Bug chooses to help, showing bravery in doing what he feels is right.
Real-World Application: This lesson can empower children to stand up for what is right and to take action, even if they stand alone or face opposition.