Thumb Love
on Goodreads (109)
What’s inside...
Lulu was a thumb sucker who was very happy with her habit, despite the urging of her family and teasing of her friends. One day, Lulu decided to stop thumb-sucking and developed a twelve-step program to help herself and others. 'Thumb Love' follows Lulu's journey through the steps in a humorous and insightful picture book that addresses a universal concern in a light-hearted manner. Lulu was a thumb sucker. She and her thumb were very happy together in sickness and in health, in good times and in bad; Lulu and her thumb were best friends. Despite the urging of her family and the teasing of her friends, Lulu just would not give up her thumb-sucking habit. That is, until one day when Lulu made up her mind to stop. And to help herself and thumb suckers all over the world, Lulu developed a program—one with steps. Twelve steps, to be exact. Join Lulu in her quest to kick the habit as she goes through the steps in this funny and insightful picture book. Told in a light-hearted manner and filled with good humor about a universal and important concern, Thumb Love will be embraced by parents and caregivers alike. This is not an issue book but a story that will resonate with anyone who is—or was—a kid.
Age
3-7
Length
48 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Lulu
Discussion points
What are some reasons Lulu might want to stop thumb sucking?
How do Lulu’s feelings change throughout the book?
What are some creative ways that Lulu tries to stop sucking her thumb?
Can you think of a time when you tried to change a habit? How did you feel?
Why is it important for Lulu to have support from her family and friends?
Tip: Role play these questions
Identify the emotions Lulu experiences in the story, and relate them to experiences your child may have had.
Discuss the importance of setting personal goals, like Lulu does, and brainstorm some goals your child might want to set for themselves.
Praise your child for their efforts in facing challenges, just as Lulu’s family supports her throughout the book.
Encourage your child to think of creative solutions to problems by discussing Lulu’s different strategies for stopping thumb sucking.
Use the moments of humor in the book as a way to keep the conversation light-hearted and engaging.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Self-control and perseverance
Explanation: In 'Thumb Love', the young protagonist, Lulu, decides to quit her thumb-sucking habit before starting kindergarten. The story cleverly illustrates her challenges and victories, emphasizing the importance of self-discipline and persistence.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by recognizing the value of persistence when overcoming personal challenges, whether it’s breaking a habit, learning a new skill, or adjusting to changes.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: The book portrays Lulu’s emotional journey in a relatable way, helping children understand that it's okay to struggle with habits or changes. It fosters a sense of empathy towards others who might be facing similar challenges.
Real-World Application: This helps children to be more compassionate and supportive towards their peers who might have different struggles or difficulties.
Example Lesson: Importance of setting personal goals
Explanation: Lulu sets a clear goal to stop sucking her thumb. This goal-setting is a central theme, illustrating how having a personal aim can lead to personal growth and self-improvement.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to set achievable goals for themselves and understand the satisfaction and personal development that comes from reaching these goals.
Example Lesson: Support from loved ones
Explanation: Lulu’s journey is supported by her parents and friends which highlights the importance of having a support system when trying to achieve something difficult.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the value of seeking help and supporting others in achieving personal goals, fostering a supportive and understanding environment.