The Magic Tapestry: A Chinese Graphic Folktale
Discover Graphics: Global Folktales Series
What’s inside...
In 'The Magic Tapestry: A Chinese Graphic Folktale', author Ailynn Collins brings a traditional Chinese folktale to life through graphics and storytelling. The book follows a humble family whose fate changes due to a magical tapestry. It teaches children about kindness, resilience, and cultural appreciation. Ideal for shared reading, it aims to enhance children’s cultural understanding and love for reading. An old woman weaves a magical cloth that disappears. Her sons embark on a journey to find it, making the tale perfect for graphic novel enthusiasts.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-8
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Youngest Son
The Second Son
The Oldest Son
Mother
Discussion points
What do you think the tapestry symbolizes in the story?
How do the characters' actions affect their relationships with others?
What would you have done differently if you were one of the characters?
How does the setting influence the story's events?
What lessons can we learn from the challenges faced by the characters?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use open-ended questions to allow your child to express their thoughts and connect personally with the story.
Discuss the cultural aspects of the tale to provide a deeper understanding of the story's background.
Encourage your child to describe their favorite part of the book and explain why it stood out to them.
Draw parallels between the moral of the story and real-life situations to help your child apply the lessons learned.
Create a supportive environment that invites your child to explore different outcomes and perspectives within the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The value of hard work and perseverance
Explanation: In the story, the characters work tirelessly on a magical tapestry, demonstrating dedication and persistence to complete a challenging task.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of staying committed to their tasks, whether it's completing homework or a personal project, teaching them the rewards of diligence and persistence.
Example Lesson: The importance of teamwork
Explanation: The characters in the tale collaborate to create the tapestry, showing how teamwork can lead to accomplishing great things that might be difficult to achieve individually.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to participate in group activities and appreciate the strength of working together, be it in sports, school projects, or family chores.
Example Lesson: Respect for cultural heritage
Explanation: The tale, rooted in Chinese culture, showcases traditional art forms and storytelling, instilling a respect for cultural history and heritage.
Real-World Application: Children are inspired to explore and value their own and others' cultural backgrounds, promoting cultural awareness and sensitivity.
Example Lesson: Creative problem-solving
Explanation: The story highlights the use of creative solutions in the face of challenges, as characters use their unique skills to contribute to the tapestry's completion.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to think creatively in solving their problems, whether it's finding a new way to organize their toys or navigating social situations at school.