The Magic Poof
#1 of 33 in Once/Now/Then/After Series
What’s inside...
Ange-Marie has always felt different, largely due to her unusual best friend, The Poof, a magical ball of curly hair on top of her head. In 'The Magic Poof' book series, Ange-Marie navigates everyday challenges and adventures with The Poof, starting with what to wear on school picture day. The series highlights the importance of self-esteem, creativity, and embracing individuality, all while teaching children about diversity and friendship. The books have received positive reviews for their charming and imaginative storytelling, and they are used in North American classrooms to promote multiculturalism.
Discussion points
How did Ange-Marie’s unique hair, the Magic Poof, help her make friends?
Why is it important to appreciate and celebrate what makes us different?
How did Ange-Marie feel when others noticed her Poof? Can you relate to her emotions?
What would you do if you had a friend like the Magic Poof?
How can we help others who might feel different or left out?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by discussing Ange-Marie’s unique characteristics and how they contribute to her identity.
Encourage your child to express how they feel about their own unique qualities. Highlight the importance of embracing individuality.
Relate the story to real-life situations in school or the playground where differences are noticed. Discuss how to handle such situations positively.
Ask your child to imagine their own magical friend. What unique qualities would their friend have? Discuss how these qualities could help in daily life.
Reinforce the message of inclusion and kindness by relating it back to the story’s context and to personal experiences from your child’s environment.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing uniqueness
Explanation: In 'The Magic Poof,' the protagonist Ange-Marie learns to appreciate her unique poof of hair, which sets her apart from her peers.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to cherish their individual traits and characteristics, fostering self-esteem and confidence in their own uniqueness.
Example Lesson: Importance of friendship
Explanation: Despite initial challenges, Ange-Marie's friends come to appreciate the magic poof’s playful antics, showcasing the power of friendship and acceptance.
Real-World Application: This can teach children to be supportive and accepting of their friends' differences, helping to build stronger, more inclusive friendships.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: Ange-Marie and the Poof often solve problems together throughout the book, highlighting the importance of teamwork and creative thinking.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by using teamwork and innovative thinking to solve everyday challenges at school or at home.
Example Lesson: Self-expression
Explanation: The Magic Poof encourages Ange-Marie to express herself in unique ways, enhancing her own creativity and expressiveness.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand the value of self-expression through art, storytelling, or play, promoting creativity and personal growth.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: As Ange-Marie learns more about the Poof, she develops a deeper understanding and empathy towards its feelings and desires.
Real-World Application: This demonstrates the importance of empathy, helping children to understand and share the feelings of others, increasing emotional intelligence and social skills.