Tallulah's Nutcracker
#4 of 6 in Tallulah Series
What’s inside...
It's Christmastime, and Tallulah finally gets what she's been wishing for—a part in a real ballet, a professional production of The Nutcracker. She's only a mouse, but she works as hard as if she had been cast as the Sugar Plum Fairy. On the night of the show, everything is perfect. But then disaster strikes! Does Tallulah have what it takes to become a real ballerina? A well-told story, gorgeous illustrations, and a beloved character conspire to make a positively magical Christmas book.
Discussion points
What do you think Tallulah learned from her experience in the Nutcracker ballet?
How did Tallulah feel when things didn’t go as planned, and what would you do in her situation?
Why is it important to keep trying even if we make mistakes?
How do you think the other characters felt about Tallulah’s performance?
What would you have done to encourage Tallulah if you were one of her friends?
Tip: Role play these questions
While discussing, focus on the emotions Tallulah experiences throughout the story to help your child understand and express their own feelings.
Encourage your child to relate the story to their own experiences, such as a time when they tried something new and faced challenges.
Highlight the importance of perseverance and motivation through Tallulah’s journey in the ballet.
Praise the child's efforts to think critically about the characters' actions and reactions.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: In 'Tallulah's Nutcracker', the protagonist, Tallulah, faces challenges during her ballet performance but continues to strive and give her best effort despite setbacks.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of persisting through difficulties to achieve their goals, a valuable skill in school, extra-curricular activities, and personal endeavors.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Tallulah learns to take responsibility for her mistakes when things don't go as planned during the performance
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of owning up to their actions and learning from their mistakes, which helps in building integrity and reliability in their personal and social relationships.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: The book highlights how all dancers work together to create a beautiful performance, showcasing the collective effort.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to collaborate with others in group settings such as in school projects or team sports, understanding that each member's contribution is vital for overall success.
Example Lesson: Handling Disappointment
Explanation: Tallulah deals with the disappointment of not being the star of the show and learns to appreciate her role.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand that it’s okay not to always be in the spotlight and that every role, big or small, is important. This can be applied in activities where they may not be the leader but can still contribute significantly.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: Despite initial disappointments, Tallulah demonstrates resilience by finding joy and pride in her performance.
Real-World Application: Teaching resilience allows children to bounce back from setbacks and maintain a positive attitude, fostering emotional strength and adaptability in various situations at school and home.