The Magnificent Nose and Other Marvels (Little Ark Book)
What’s inside...
Ignatius Binz's nose might look ordinary enough, but it has the most remarkable powers. And isn't there something mysterious about Ferdinand's new spectacles? These award-winning stories about children with unusual gifts are ideal for reading aloud or for older children to read for themselves. Five unique children--Lindalou, who makes a flying boat; Ferdinand, who uses special spectacles to cure people; Andy, who talks to animals; Valentina, who paints people's feelings; and Ignatius, who can smell danger--meet through the craftiness of a magic spider.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-9
Length
48 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think makes a nose magnificent?
Can you think of a time when you noticed something unique about someone else? How did it make you feel?
Why do you think the characters in the story acted the way they did?
If you could have any marvelous ability like the characters, what would it be and why?
How do you think the story would change if it was set in our town?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think creatively and empathetically by asking them to relate the characters' experiences to their own. Use follow-up questions to delve deeper into their thoughts and feelings about the story. Validate their ideas and feelings to make them feel heard and appreciated. Moreover, highlight the uniqueness of each character in the story to discuss the beauty and strength in differences. Lastly, consider extending the discussion beyond the book by encouraging your child to draw or write about their own marvelous ability or trait.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The value of individuality
Explanation: The book showcases various characters, each with unique talents and traits. This highlights how everyone's differences make them special.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate their own unique abilities and those of others, fostering an environment of acceptance and self-confidence.
Example Lesson: The importance of curiosity
Explanation: The characters' adventures are driven by their curiosity, leading them to discover and learn new things.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to explore, ask questions, and seek knowledge, enhancing their educational growth and critical thinking skills.
Example Lesson: Cooperation and teamwork
Explanation: Throughout the story, the characters often work together to solve problems and overcome challenges.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the importance of working with others to achieve common goals, beneficial in both academic settings and in everyday social interactions.
Example Lesson: Resilience in facing challenges
Explanation: The characters encounter various obstacles but manage to navigate through them with perseverance.
Real-World Application: Helps children understand the value of persistence and resilience in overcoming difficulties in their own lives.
Example Lesson: Creativity as a problem-solving tool
Explanation: The unique problems in the book are often resolved through creative solutions by the characters.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to think creatively when faced with problems, boosting their problem-solving skills and innovative thinking.