To Be a Cheetah
#1 of 3 in Sunbird Picture Books Series
on Goodreads (5)
What’s inside...
The story follows the journey of a young cub as it learns about life on the savannah. Through various challenges and encounters with other animals, the cub discovers the true meaning of speed, strength, and the spirit of the cheetah. In a parallel narrative, a mother tucks her little dreamer into bed, letting him know that he can always come home, no matter how far he roams. This loving bedtime story transports readers from a cozy bedroom to the savannas of Africa and back again, with rich illustrations capturing the natural world and the warmth of a mother-son relationship.
Discussion points
What do you think it feels like to run as fast as a cheetah?
How do the other animals in the story react to the cheetah’s speed, and why do you think they react that way?
If you could have a conversation with the cheetah, what would you ask it?
What lessons can we learn from the cheetah's determination and challenges in the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Validate your child’s feelings and thoughts as they express their insights on the cheetah's experiences.
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in the story and ask how they would interact with the cheetah.
Relate the cheetah’s qualities and challenges to personal experiences or challenges your child faces to make the conversation relevant and immersive.
Use expressive reading techniques, changing your tone and pace, to highlight the cheetah's swift movements and the reactions of other characters, making the story more engaging.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Individuality
Explanation: The story portrays the young cheetah exploring various activities before discovering their unique strength.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to try new things and appreciate their own unique talents and preferences.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: The protagonist faces challenges but learns to overcome them through persistence and resilience.
Real-World Application: Kids learn the importance of not giving up easily in the face of difficulties, whether it's in schoolwork, sports, or relationships.
Example Lesson: Importance of Family Support
Explanation: The cheetah's family offers guidance and support throughout the journey, helping the protagonist to grow.
Real-World Application: Children understand the value of having supportive family relationships and how to seek help when needed.
Example Lesson: Respect for Diversity
Explanation: Through interactions with different animals, the cheetah learns that every creature has its special traits.
Real-World Application: This can teach children to appreciate and respect differences in others in their community and school.
Example Lesson: Joy of Discovery
Explanation: As the cheetah tries different activities, it experiences the joy of learning and discovering new interests.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to explore and find joy in learning new things, fostering a lifelong love for acquiring knowledge.