Why can't Elephants be Red?
What’s inside...
Akku is a lively, imaginative, and adventurous two-and-a-half-year-old girl growing up in Gurgaon and Singapore. She is the beloved member of her big joint family and spends her days playing with her fishy friends, beloved puppy, and exploring swimming pools, sea beaches, and malls. Her curiosity leads to joy and questions about the world around her. Akku loves to draw and color, and her imagination creates whimsical creatures like red elephants, mustached crabs, and hornless unicorns. As she navigates her colorful world, the biggest adventure awaits her - her first day at school.
Age
3-7
Length
86 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
If you could paint an elephant any color, what color would you choose and why?
How do you think the elephant felt when he realized he was different from the others?
What would you do if you met an animal that was a different color than usual?
Why do you think being unique or different can be special?
Can you think of a time when you felt different from everyone else and how it made you feel?
Tip: Role play these questions
While discussing the book, emphasize the importance of celebrating differences and embracing uniqueness.
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the theme by relating it to their own experiences of feeling different or unique.
Use creative prompts, such as imagining different colored animals, to make the conversation engaging and fun.
Reinforce that it's okay to ask questions and express curiosity about things that are different.
After reading, continue the theme by doing an art project together where your child can color animals in unconventional colors.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Uniqueness
Explanation: The narrative revolves around a young elephant who wishes to be red instead of the usual grey, highlighting the beauty and acceptance of being different.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and celebrate their own unique traits and those of others, promoting inclusivity and self-confidence.
Example Lesson: Importance of Imagination
Explanation: The red elephant is a product of the young elephant’s creative mind, showing how imagination can transform perception.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to use their imagination in problem-solving and viewing the world in innovative ways, enhancing cognitive development.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the Face of Adversity
Explanation: The young elephant faces challenges in convincing others about its desire to be red but remains steadfast.
Real-World Application: It teaches children to stay determined and resilient when facing difficult situations or when their ideas are challenged.
Example Lesson: The Power of Questions
Explanation: The question 'Why can't elephants be red?' sparks a journey of exploration and discussion among other characters.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to question and explore the world around them, fostering a lifelong love for learning and critical thinking.