The Red Jacket
on Goodreads (360)
What’s inside...
Perfect for fans of Jory John and Pete Oswald's The Bad Seed and Jon Klassen's I Want My Hat Back! Bob loves his red jacket which makes him feel swanky cool and helps him make friends among other seagulls. However, when a wave washes it away, Bob faces the challenge of maintaining his cool and his friendships without it. Bob Holt’s spare text and humorous artwork create a charming tale about style, fitting in, and confidence.
Discussion points
What do you think the red jacket represents in the story?
How did the main character feel when they wore the red jacket, and why?
Can you think of a time when you felt similar to the character in the story?
What would you have done if you were in the main character's place?
How do you think the story would change if the jacket was a different color?
Tip: Role play these questions
Allow your child to express their feelings about the book before posing any questions.
Relate the story to your child’s experiences by discussing similar feelings or situations they may have encountered.
Encourage your child to imagine alternative endings or different scenarios to develop their creative thinking.
Discuss the importance of the item (red jacket) in the story and draw parallels to a favorite item of their own.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: In 'The Red Jacket,' the protagonist learns to understand and share the feelings of a new classmate who is from a different background.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by showing kindness and trying to understand their peers who may seem different from them, fostering a more inclusive environment.
Example Lesson: Courage
Explanation: The story demonstrates courage through the protagonist's decision to stand up for the new classmate when others are not welcoming.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to be brave and stand up for what is right, even when it might be difficult.
Example Lesson: Friendship
Explanation: As the protagonist and the new classmate overcome challenges together, they develop a strong bond, showcasing the value of friendship.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of building and maintaining friendships, and how these relationships can provide support and joy in their lives.
Example Lesson: Acceptance
Explanation: The book promotes acceptance by showing how characters learn to celebrate each other's differences and build a community.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to be open to diverse cultures and backgrounds, which can enhance their social skills and global understanding.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: Throughout the book, characters face various challenges but learn to overcome them with determination and support from friends.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand that setbacks are part of life, and that perseverance and support from others are key to overcoming them.