The One and Only Sparkella
Sparkella Series
What’s inside...
Ella, also known as Sparkella, faces challenges in being her true self at a new school and during a playdate in this continuation of Channing Tatum's Sparkella picture book series. At school, her unique style is criticized by her classmates, leading her to initially try to conform. With her father's guidance, she learns the importance of staying true to herself in 'The One and Only Sparkella and the Big Lie'. During a playdate with a new kid, Sparkella worries her toys aren't cool enough and ends up taking a toy from a friend without permission. After her friend is upset, Sparkella's dad helps her understand the value of honesty and taking responsibility for her actions.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
48 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Ella (Sparkella)
Dad
Discussion points
What do you think makes Sparkella unique and special?
How did Sparkella handle feeling different when she went to school?
Can you think of a time when you felt like Sparkella? What did you do?
Why is it important to be yourself, even if others might not understand at first?
How can you help a friend who feels out of place or different?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use a warm and open tone to make your child feel comfortable sharing their own experiences related to the themes of the book.
Encourage your child to express their thoughts by relating the storyline to their personal life, fostering empathy and self-awareness.
Reinforce the importance of embracing individuality and diversity, highlighting examples from Sparkella’s experiences and relating them to real-life scenarios.
Acknowledge your child's feelings and thoughts, validating their emotions as they connect with Sparkella's story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Individuality
Explanation: The protagonist, Sparkella, faces challenges at school when her unique style and interests are not immediately accepted by her peers. Through her experiences, she learns to embrace and celebrate her own uniqueness.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and express their own individual traits and preferences, even when they differ from those around them. This encourages self-confidence and authenticity in social settings and personal relationships.
Example Lesson: Perseverance in the Face of Adversity
Explanation: Despite feeling discouraged when her classmates don't appreciate her uniqueness, Sparkella continues to express herself and eventually finds friends who accept her for who she is.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of perseverance and staying true to oneself, even when faced with difficulties or rejection. It highlights the importance of persistence in achieving personal happiness and finding genuine friendships.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: Sparkella learns to navigate her relationships with empathy, understanding that everyone has their own quirks and qualities that make them special.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to be more accepting and empathetic towards others' differences, fostering a more inclusive and supportive community environment.
Example Lesson: Creative Expression
Explanation: The book showcases Sparkella's love for creative outfits and imaginative play, highlighting the importance of creativity in personal expression.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to explore various forms of creative expression, whether through art, dress, or play, boosting cognitive skills and emotional well-being.
Example Lesson: Supportive Family Relationships
Explanation: The strong relationship between Sparkella and her father, who encourages her to be herself, demonstrates the role of supportive family in personal development.
Real-World Application: This can help children appreciate and seek encouragement from family members, understanding the vital role family plays in building self-esteem and a sense of security.