Sunflower Sal
Prairie paperback books Series
What’s inside...
Sal desperately wants to make a quilt, but her big hands just don't seem to have the knack of doing such small, fussy work. This is a story about finding one's true gifts, with sun-washed oil paintings in a palette of gold, brown and green.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
6-8
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think made Sunflower Sal feel happy and why?
How do you think the garden would look if you were in charge of it?
What would you do if you found a magical sunflower seed like Sal?
How did Sal’s actions affect the other characters in the story?
If you could create your own flower, what would it look like and what special powers would it have?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in Sal’s world by asking them to describe what they see, hear, and feel.
Facilitate empathy by discussing how Sal’s feelings throughout the book might relate to their own experiences.
Inspire creativity by having your child draw their version of a magical plant or a redesigned garden.
Reinforce the theme of responsibility by talking about times when your child took care of something important and how it made them feel.
Utilize a soothing and curious tone to keep the conversation about the book enjoyable and engaging, fostering a deeper connection with the themes discussed.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: In 'Sunflower Sal', the protagonist takes on the task of nurturing sunflowers, demonstrating daily care and commitment.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of consistent effort and reliability, applying it to chores or school projects.
Example Lesson: Patience
Explanation: The story shows Sal waiting patiently for her sunflowers to grow, teaching that some results are not immediate.
Real-World Application: Kids can understand that patience is vital, whether waiting their turn or for outcomes from actions taken.
Example Lesson: Appreciation of Nature
Explanation: Sal's interaction with her environment creates a bond with nature, showing the beauty and importance of the natural world.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to explore and appreciate their own natural surroundings, fostering environmental awareness.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: When Sal faces challenges in growing her sunflowers, she must come up with solutions.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to think critically and solve problems in their own lives, whether in academics or personal situations.
Example Lesson: Joy of Sharing
Explanation: At the end of the story, Sal shares her bloomed sunflowers with her friends, highlighting the joy of sharing.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of generosity and the happiness that comes from sharing with others in their community.