The Smurfs #1: The Purple Smurfs (1) (The Smurfs Graphic Novels)
#1 of 23 in The Smurfs Graphic Novels Series
What’s inside...
Yvan Delporte introduces us to the Smurf village in this debut volume from Papercutz, featuring two Smurf-tastic stories. 'The Purple Smurf' details a full-on epidemic in the Smurf Village when a strange fly bites a Smurf, causing him to turn purple, reduce his vocabulary to 'gnap!', and go berserk. The purple Smurf bites other Smurfs, spreading the epidemic, and it's up to Papa Smurf to find a cure. 'The Flying Smurf' tells the inspiring tale of a Smurf with a dream to fly, showcasing the Smurfs' most recognizable and appealing characteristics.
Discussion points
How did the purple smurf’s behavior change when he turned purple, and what do you think this means?
What actions did the other Smurfs take to help their friend? What would you have done in their place?
Why is teamwork important when solving big problems, like the one the Smurfs faced?
How did the story make you feel when the Smurfs were trying to save their village?
If you could create a new character to add to the story, what would they be like and how would they help?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story, reinforcing that all perspectives are valid.
Ask your child to draw parallels between the Smurfs’ teamwork and instances where they have had to work with others to solve a problem.
Discuss the importance of empathy by asking how your child felt about the Smurfs' predicament and what emotions they experienced while reading.
Promote creative thinking by asking your child to imagine alternate endings or additional challenges the Smurfs might face.
Use the story as a starting point to discuss the value of cooperation and how problems can be solved more effectively together.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and cooperation
Explanation: The Smurfs must work together to find a cure when some of their community members turn into Purple Smurfs.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of collaborating with others to solve problems, whether it's during school projects or in family activities.
Example Lesson: Creativity and critical thinking
Explanation: The Smurfs use their creativity to devise plans and solutions to prevent the spread of the purple condition.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to think creatively in overcoming obstacles and brainstorming solutions to challenges they encounter.
Example Lesson: Empathy and compassion
Explanation: Despite the difficulties, the Smurfs show care and concern for the affected Smurfs, highlighting the value of empathy.
Real-World Application: Children learn the significance of understanding others' feelings and offering help and support in times of need.
Example Lesson: Understanding and dealing with changes
Explanation: The story demonstrates the challenge of unexpected changes within their community and how the Smurfs adapt.
Real-World Application: It teaches children that change is part of life and that adaptive thinking and resilience are key to managing change effectively.
Example Lesson: Importance of vigilance and preparedness
Explanation: The narrative underscores the necessity of being vigilant and prepared for unforeseen events.
Real-World Application: This can be applied to children's lives by encouraging them to always be observant and ready, whether in emergency situations or daily routines.