Truman's Aunt Farm
What’s inside...
When Truman sends away the coupon for an ant farm given as a birthday gift by his Aunt Fran, he gets more than he bargained for when aunts start showing up and he must train them all. Using skewed proportion and perspective, the illustrator fills the pages with frantic activities that enhance and build upon the goofy appeal of the text, leading to a humorous and entertaining story.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think Truman learned about responsibility by taking care of the ants?
How do you feel about Truman receiving such an unusual gift from his Aunt?
What would you do if you received a farm full of ants?
Why do you think the ants behaved the way they did?
How did Truman's feelings about the ant farm change throughout the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, ask your child what they think the story will be about just by hearing the title.
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about Truman's adventures, relating them to any personal experiences with receiving unexpected gifts or responsibilities.
Utilize the illustrations in the book to ask your child to describe what they see and how it adds to the story.
After reading, engage your child by asking them to think of an alternate ending or a continuation of Truman’s story.
Connect the themes of the book to real-life responsibilities, such as caring for a pet or helping around the house, and discuss these with your child.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding Language Play and Puns
Explanation: The title itself, 'Truman's Aunt Farm', plays on the homophone of 'ant' and 'aunt', setting the stage for children to explore and understand puns and humorous word play.
Real-World Application: Children can develop a keen sensitivity to the nuances of language, enhancing their communication skills and creative thinking.
Example Lesson: Value of Responsibility
Explanation: Throughout the story, as Truman cares for what he expects to be ants but instead finds aunts, the narrative emphasizes the importance of responsibility and taking care of others, even in unexpected situations.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of being responsible in their daily tasks, whether it's caring for a pet, helping around the house, or looking after siblings.
Example Lesson: Embracing Surprises and Adaptability
Explanation: Truman anticipates receiving an ant farm and instead receives a group of aunts. This twist in the story highlights the ability to adapt to unexpected situations and make the most of them.
Real-World Application: Children learn to be flexible and adapt to changes in their plans or environment, which is a crucial skill in everyday problem-solving and dealing with life’s surprises.
Example Lesson: Importance of Family and Community
Explanation: The presence of aunts in the story instead of ants brings a focus on family connections and the support systems that a community or family can provide.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to value and maintain their relationships with family members and understand the role of a supportive community in their lives.