The Longest Strongest Thread
on Goodreads (63)
What’s inside...
A richly illustrated story about a girl, a grandma, and a very long thread. This children's book carries a message for all ages, exploring the anxiety of moving to a new home and country through the lens of a young girl's experience. Based on the author's own family experiences of moving countries and leaving loved ones behind, the story highlights the strong emotional ties between a grandchild and grandparent. As the girl prepares for her move by making a toy aeroplane and a map for her grandma to visit, her grandma sews a coat to keep her warm in the new, colder country.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-7
Length
29 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the longest, strongest thread represents in the story?
How do you feel when you are away from someone you love? How does the main character handle it?
Can you think of a special connection you have with someone, like the thread in the book?
Why do you think the author chose a thread to represent the connection between the characters?
What are some ways you can maintain a strong bond with someone who is far away?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by discussing your own connections with loved ones who are far away, encouraging your child to draw parallels to their own experiences.
Enhance empathy by asking your child how they think the characters felt during different parts of the story, relating it to their feelings.
Use visual aids, like a piece of string or yarn, to visually represent the concept of the 'longest, strongest thread' to make the abstract idea more concrete.
Encourage your child to talk about the illustrations and how they complement the story, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of the book.
Prompt your child to think about other symbols that could represent love and connection, nurturing their creativity and critical thinking.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Value of emotional resilience
Explanation: The story demonstrates the importance of emotional resilience through the character of a young girl coping with her grandmother moving far away. She learns to maintain a strong connection despite the distance.
Real-World Application: Children learn to cope with changes and separations in their lives, understanding that distance doesn’t weaken genuine relationships.
Example Lesson: Importance of creativity in problem-solving
Explanation: The protagonist uses her creativity to find ways to remain connected with her grandmother, such as through a red thread symbolizing their bond. This highlights the role of creative solutions in maintaining relationships.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to think creatively in overcoming obstacles, using imaginative thinking not only in play but also in meaningful real-life situations.
Example Lesson: Understanding and expressing emotions
Explanation: The book illustrates the variety of emotions the girl experiences—from sadness and longing to joy and hope—teaching emotional literacy and expression.
Real-World Application: Children can identify and express their feelings more clearly, helping in emotional development and interaction with others.
Example Lesson: Significance of family bonds
Explanation: Through the story's emphasis on the strong relationship between the girl and her grandmother, the book reinforces the enduring nature of family connections.
Real-World Application: Helps children value and foster their own family relationships, regardless of physical distance or other challenges.