The Mysterious Giant of Barletta
What’s inside...
From best-selling author and illustrator, Tomie dePaola, comes this reissued adapted Italian folktale of how a town was saved by their beloved giant statue. In the southern part of Italy, on the Adriatic Sea, is the town of Barletta. In this quiet town, there is a gigantic statue of a young man. Some say it's the largest statue in all of Europe, but no one knows exactly how it got there or who it is supposed to be. One thing is for sure - the people of Barletta love their Mysterious Giant and love to tell stories about him. This is one of their favorite stories to tell - how the giant statue saved their town.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Why do you think the townspeople decided to ask the giant for help?
How do you feel about the way the giant protected the town?
What would you have done if you were in the giant's shoes?
How did the people in the story show courage?
What does this story teach us about solving problems?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by asking your child to summarize the story in their own words, to ensure they understand the plot.
Encourage your child to relate the story to their own experiences, asking them if they have ever felt like the giant or other characters.
Discuss the moral of the story and ask your child what lessons they can learn from the giant’s actions.
Explore the emotions in the story by asking how various scenarios made your child feel, and why.
Praise your child’s responses to reinforce their engagement and boost their confidence in expressing their thoughts.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of adversity
Explanation: In 'The Mysterious Giant of Barletta', the protagonist, Zia Concetta, confronts challenges bravely when her town is threatened, drawing on the strength of the Giant statue.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to face their own fears and stand up for what they believe in, whether it's speaking out against bullying or tackling a new challenge at school.
Example Lesson: Importance of community and teamwork
Explanation: The townspeople of Barletta come together to protect their town, demonstrating how collaboration can achieve what might seem impossible individually.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply this lesson by working cooperatively in group projects at school or within sports teams to reach a common goal.
Example Lesson: Creative problem-solving
Explanation: Zia Concetta inspires her townspeople to use their creativity to deceive the invading army, showcasing how thinking outside the box can provide solutions to difficult problems.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to think creatively when faced with obstacles, be it in academics, in resolving conflicts with peers, or in everyday tasks.
Example Lesson: Respect for history and culture
Explanation: The story demonstrates reverence for the town's ancient statue and history, underscoring the importance of preserving cultural heritage.
Real-World Application: This lesson can guide children to appreciate and respect their own cultural backgrounds and those of others, promoting cultural awareness and sensitivity.
Example Lesson: Value of quick thinking
Explanation: The clever plan devised to scare the enemy shows the effectiveness of quick, strategic thinking under pressure.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to stay calm and use their intellect in urgent or stressful situations, whether in academic exams or personal challenges.