Where Thuong Keeps Love
What’s inside...
Where Thuong Keeps Love is a heartwarming picture book that explores the nonverbal ways love is held and expressed within the body, drawing inspiration from the cultural differences between American and Vietnamese notions of love. The story follows a young Vietnamese girl as she inquires about where her friends store their love for their parents, ultimately realizing that her love permeates her entire body. The book includes a glossary and author's note that shed light on cultural nuances and provide pronunciation guidance, making it an educational and touching read that celebrates diverse expressions of love.
Discussion points
How do you think Thuong feels when she shares her love with her family?
What are some ways Thuong shows love to others in the story?
Why is it important to keep and share love, just like Thuong does?
Can you think of a time you shared love like Thuong? How did it make you feel?
How do you think the different places where Thuong keeps love affect her and her family?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to reflect on their personal experiences with love and sharing, drawing parallels to Thuong's actions in the book.
Use expressive read-aloud techniques, varying your tone to match the emotions in the story, to help your child connect more deeply with Thuong's experiences.
After reading, have a creative session where your child can draw or write about a special place where they keep their love, similar to Thuong.
Discuss the cultural aspects presented in the book and how they might compare or contrast to your family's traditions of expressing love.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding and expressing emotions
Explanation: The book guides children through Thuong's journey as she learns to identify and express her feelings, which is crucial for emotional development.
Real-World Application: Children can use this lesson to better communicate their feelings with family and friends, helping them build stronger relationships.
Example Lesson: Value of family and home
Explanation: Through the story, children see Thuong cherishing her family and the warmth of her home, emphasizing the importance of these bonds.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to appreciate and find comfort in their own homes and family connections.
Example Lesson: Importance of resilience
Explanation: Thuong faces various challenges but finds clever and heartwarming solutions, teaching children the importance of overcoming obstacles.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to persevere through their own challenges, understanding that resilience can help them navigate difficulties in life.
Example Lesson: Empathy towards others
Explanation: The book portrays Thuong's empathic interactions with her family members, promoting understanding and compassion.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by showing empathy in their interactions, fostering a supportive and understanding environment amongst peers.
Example Lesson: Celebrating cultural heritage
Explanation: Set against the backdrop of Thuong's cultural practices, the story highlights the richness of embracing one's heritage.
Real-World Application: This lesson can inspire children to learn about and take pride in their own culture, as well as respect diverse cultures around them.