The Strollers
on Goodreads (31)
What’s inside...
Johnnie leaves his poverty-stricken tension-filled home for the apparent freedom of life on the streets of Cape Town. He joins up with the strollers, the street children who beg from strangers, and soon he realizes there is more to freedom than he thought.
Discussion points
How do you think the characters felt when they went on their adventure?
What would you do if you were in the place of the main character?
Can you think of a time when you tried something new like the characters did?
Why is it important to have friends by your side during adventures?
What was your favorite part of the story and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story, affirming their responses to build confidence.
Relate the story's events or characters' experiences to real-life scenarios your child might encounter to deepen their understanding.
Ask your child to draw their favorite scene or character from the book. This allows them to express their understanding creatively.
Read with enthusiasm and use different voices for different characters to make the storytelling engaging and lively.
After reading, encourage your child to retell the story in their own words, which helps in enhancing their comprehension and verbal skills.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of sharing
Explanation: In the story, the characters learn to share their toys and snacks during their strolling adventures. This act enhances their experience and deepens their friendships.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by sharing their belongings with classmates and friends, fostering a spirit of generosity and cooperation.
Example Lesson: Value of friendship
Explanation: The characters in 'The Strollers' support each other through various challenges, highlighting the strength found in camaraderie.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to cultivate and cherish friendships, understanding that true friends are there to help and uplift one another.
Example Lesson: Resilience in facing obstacles
Explanation: As the strollers navigate different terrains, they encounter and overcome several obstacles, demonstrating resilience.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to persist in the face of difficulties, whether it be solving a tough puzzle or learning a new skill at school.
Example Lesson: Exploration and curiosity
Explanation: The book encourages exploring new environments and asking questions, leading to exciting discoveries.
Real-World Application: Kids are inspired to explore their own surroundings more deeply and to ask questions about the world, enhancing their understanding and knowledge.