The Last Slice of Rainbow: And Other Stories
Charlotte Zolotow Book Series
What’s inside...
This book contains nine enchanting fairy tales, each one imbued with magic and mystery. The stories are set in various locations, from faraway fairy-tale lands with kings and queens to the everyday world of ordinary children. The collection includes tales such as 'The Last Slice of Rainbow,' 'Clem's Dream,' and 'The Tree that Loved a Girl,' among others, each one exploring magical and mysterious elements that captivate the imagination.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-9
Length
144 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think is the most magical part of 'The Last Slice of Rainbow'? Why?
How do the characters in the stories show bravery or kindness?
Which story was your favorite and what lesson did you learn from it?
If you could create your own slice of rainbow, what would it look like and why?
How do you think the characters changed from the beginning to the end of their stories?
Tip: Role play these questions
While discussing, relate the themes of the stories to real-life situations to make the conversation more relatable for your child.
Encourage your child to imagine alternative endings or plot twists to enhance their creative thinking.
Ask your child to draw scenes or characters from the book as they discuss, linking their visual creativity to their understanding of the story.
Praise your child for their thoughts and insights as they answer, building their confidence in expressing ideas and opinions.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Diversity
Explanation: The stories in 'The Last Slice of Rainbow' feature a variety of characters from different backgrounds, promoting inclusiveness and acceptance.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate and respect people's differences, which is crucial in their interactions at school and within their community.
Example Lesson: Importance of Creativity
Explanation: Joan Aiken's imaginative narratives encourage children to think outside the box and value creative thinking.
Real-World Application: This helps children in problem-solving and expressing themselves in unique ways, both in academic settings and in their personal lives.
Example Lesson: Resilience in Adversity
Explanation: The characters often face challenges, which they overcome with courage and resilience, teaching children to persist despite difficulties.
Real-World Application: Kids learn to tackle their own challenges with determination, be it in their studies, friendships, or personal goals.
Example Lesson: Value of Kindness
Explanation: Through the interactions between characters, Aiken highlights the impacts of kindness and generosity.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to act kindly towards others, fostering a positive and supportive environment at home and at school.
Example Lesson: Joy of Adventure
Explanation: The book's diverse and magical tales spark a sense of adventure, showing that exploring new things can be exciting and rewarding.
Real-World Application: This lesson motivates children to explore the world around them, try new activities, and embrace learning as an exciting journey.