The Perfect Shelter
What’s inside...
The Perfect Shelter is a story that begins with nobody knowing about a situation, until the narrator is informed that their sister is ill. The narrative explores the journey of coping with the news and coming together to weather the storms of uncertainty. Through the act of building a shelter, the characters find strength and unity. The story delves into the complex emotions experienced when a loved one is diagnosed with a serious illness, offering an uplifting message about the power of togetherness in facing life's challenges.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did the story make you feel when the characters were building the shelter?
What do you think the shelter represents in the story?
Why is it important to have a perfect shelter, and what does it mean to you?
How do you think the characters felt when they faced challenges in building their shelter?
Can you think of a time when you worked together with someone to solve a problem? How did it make you feel?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings and thoughts about the story, relating it to their own experiences. Use the illustrations in the book to point out emotions and actions of the characters to deepen understanding. Highlight the importance of teamwork and resilience as demonstrated by the characters. Ask your child to imagine their own perfect shelter and describe or draw it, fostering creativity and personal connection to the theme.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding and coping with illness
Explanation: The story portrays a young girl and her family dealing with her sister's serious illness, showing how it affects each family member.
Real-World Application: Children learn empathy and the importance of family support during challenging times, helping them navigate similar situations in their own lives.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: The family in the book demonstrates resilience by staying strong and unified despite the uncertainties of the sister’s illness.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of staying positive and resilient when facing personal challenges.
Example Lesson: Expression of emotions
Explanation: The characters openly express their fears, hopes, and love, which is a healthy portrayal of handling emotions.
Real-World Application: Children can learn that it’s okay to express what they are feeling and that discussing emotions can be a crucial part of dealing with tough situations.
Example Lesson: Creativity as a coping mechanism
Explanation: The protagonist uses her imagination to create a 'perfect shelter' which symbolizes safety and comfort in times of distress.
Real-World Application: Children learn that creativity and imagination can be powerful tools for coping with emotional stressors.
Example Lesson: Importance of hope
Explanation: Throughout the book, the message of maintaining hope despite difficult circumstances resonates strongly.
Real-World Application: It instills in children the power of hope and its importance in overcoming life’s hurdles.