Today I'm Strong
What’s inside...
A brand-new picture book from the winner of The Great British Bake Off and national treasure, Nadiya Hussain, beautifully illustrated by Ella Bailey. The story follows a child who loves going to school most days, but sometimes wishes to stay at home. It is a touching story about finding your inner strength, written by BBC TV star Nadiya Hussain.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-5
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did the story make you feel when the character overcame their challenge?
Can you think of a time when you felt similar to the character? What did you do?
What does being strong mean to you?
Why do you think it is important to talk about our feelings?
How can we help friends who may be feeling sad or scared?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing your own feelings about the book and gently encourage your child to express theirs. It helps them understand that it’s safe to open up.
Relate the themes of the book to personal experiences. This connection between the book and real life can enhance the impact of its messages.
Praise your child for any efforts to articulate thoughts and feelings, reinforcing the supportive nature of your discussion.
Keep the conversation open and judgment-free. Allow the child to express both positive and negative feelings about the story.
Encourage empathy by discussing the characters' perspectives and emotions, which can foster a deeper understanding and connection to the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Building resilience
Explanation: The story follows the main character as they overcome challenges and fears with the help of a magical tiger, illustrating the power of inner strength and support.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to face their own fears and challenges, knowing they have inner strength and can seek support from loved ones.
Example Lesson: Importance of expressing feelings
Explanation: The protagonist learns to share their feelings and not keep them bottled up, guided by the magical tiger which embodies courage and communication.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to openly discuss their feelings with parents or guardians, promoting emotional health.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: Through interactions between the characters, children see the value of being kind and understanding towards others who may be facing their own struggles.
Real-World Application: Teaches children to be considerate and supportive of their peers, fostering a supportive community.
Example Lesson: Overcoming bullying
Explanation: The book addresses dealing with bullies in a constructive way, showing the importance of seeking help and not facing problems alone.
Real-World Application: Prepares children to handle bullying situations by reporting to an adult and understanding it’s not their fault.