The Skunk Who Couldn't Smell
What’s inside...
Missing out stinks! Smellarella Skunkerton always knew she was different from the other skunks, but she was never sure why. When the smell of her mom's baking brings her siblings running to the kitchen, Smellarella realizes that she can't smell!
Age
3-9
Length
35 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the skunk felt when he realized he couldn't smell? What would you do if you were in his place?
Why is it important to help others who are different from us?
What can we learn from the animals in the story about accepting and supporting each other's uniqueness?
How did the other animals in the story help the skunk? Can you think of a time when you helped someone?
What do you think is the message of this story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage empathy by asking your child to put themselves in the skunk's shoes, imagining how they would feel in similar situations.
Highlight the importance of inclusivity and acceptance through discussion about the actions of other animals towards the skunk.
Reinforce the moral of the story by having your child think of ways they can help or be kind to someone who is different from them.
Use examples from the story to discuss the value of community and how everyone, no matter how different, can contribute positively.
Ask your child to summarize what they learned from the book, which helps reinforce comprehension and recall.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Differences
Explanation: The story portrays a skunk who is unique because he lacks a typical skunk trait—his sense of smell. This difference initially causes him distress but eventually leads him to discover unique strengths.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate and embrace their own differences as well as those of others, fostering an environment of acceptance and diversity.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: Throughout the book, the skunk encounters various challenges related to his inability to smell. He learns to adapt and find creative solutions to navigate his world.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of critical thinking and resilience in overcoming obstacles in everyday situations.
Example Lesson: Value of Friendship
Explanation: The skunk finds friends who accept him as he is and support him throughout his journey. This highlights the importance of friendship and community support.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to be supportive and seek out friends who accept them unconditionally, highlighting the importance of nurturing healthy relationships.
Example Lesson: Self-Acceptance
Explanation: Despite his initial struggles, the skunk learns to accept and take pride in his uniqueness, realizing that his own value does not depend on having typical skunk traits.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children build self-esteem and confidence, teaching them to value themselves for who they are, not just for their abilities or achievements.
Example Lesson: Courage to Explore
Explanation: The skunk's journey encourages him to explore beyond his immediate surroundings, leading to personal growth and self-discovery.
Real-World Application: Inspires children to explore new activities and ideas, embracing the journey of learning and self-exploration.