Tweak Tweak
What’s inside...
Little Elephant and Mama Elephant are going for a walk. 'Hold on to my tail,' says Mama. 'If you want to ask me a question, tweak twice.' Tweak, tweak! 'Mama, what is that?' Little Elephant is curious about the frog, the monkey, the songbird, the butterfly, and the crocodile—and especially about what a little elephant can do. Mama knows just how to answer, to help her cherished Little Elephant grow. Eve Bunting's tender text and Sergio Ruzzier's whimsical illustrations make this walk with Mama an excursion any little elephant would enjoy.
Age
4-7
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Little Elephant
Mama Elephant
Discussion points
What different animals did Tiny Mouse meet in her journey, and how are they different from each other?
How did Tiny Mouse feel when she tweaked her mother’s tail? Can you think of a time when you felt the same way?
Why do you think Tiny Mouse was curious to explore outside? What excites you about exploring new things?
What lessons do you think Tiny Mouse learned at the end of her adventure?
If you could ask Tiny Mouse one question about her journey, what would it be?
Tip: Role play these questions
Utilize expressive reading: Change your tone when reading different characters' dialogues to make the story come alive for your child.
Relate to personal experiences: After reading, connect events in the book to your child's life, enhancing their understanding and engagement.
Encourage imaginative thinking: Ask your child to imagine alternative scenarios or endings for the story, fostering creativity.
Discuss the illustrations: Point out and discuss the illustrations, asking your child what they can see and how it adds to the story.
Praise insights: Celebrate your child’s responses and insights during the discussion to encourage their participation and confidence in expressing thoughts.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Exploration and Curiosity
Explanation: In 'Tweak Tweak', the young elephant follows her mother around, tweaking her tail to ask her questions about the world around them. This showcases a natural curiosity and desire to learn.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to ask questions about their surroundings and learn from the world around them, fostering a sense of discovery and learning.
Example Lesson: Understanding Differences
Explanation: As the little elephant encounters various animals and their unique traits, it teaches children about diversity in the animal kingdom and by extension, in human societies.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and respect the differences between people, understanding that everyone has unique attributes and qualities.
Example Lesson: Parent-Child Bonding
Explanation: The interactions between the mother elephant and her child highlight the importance of communication and spending quality time together in strengthening familial bonds.
Real-World Application: Children and parents can spend more time together exploring the world, whether through reading, outdoor activities, or simple daily tasks, enhancing their connection.
Example Lesson: Independence and Self-confidence
Explanation: Throughout the journey, the young elephant gains more confidence about navigating the world, symbolizing the growth towards independence.
Real-World Application: This story can encourage children to try new activities or take small steps towards doing tasks on their own, boosting their confidence and self-reliance.