Yesterday I Had the Blues
What’s inside...
Moods change from day to day, and you never know what tomorrow will bring. But one thing’s for sure: when you’ve got love around you, the blues won’t stick around long.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did the different colors in the book make you feel?
Why do you think the character felt blue? Have you ever felt that way?
What color would you use to describe your feelings today and why?
Can you think of a time when your mood changed like the character's did in the story?
What are some ways we can help each other feel better when we're sad or blue?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, ask your child to think about how different colors make them feel. This sets the stage for connecting with the book's themes.
While reading, pause on pages with significant color changes and ask your child to describe what they think the character is feeling.
Encourage your child to express their own feelings through colors, either by drawing or verbally, to build emotional intelligence.
After reading, use the book's illustrations to discuss the connection between colors and emotions, reinforcing the book's themes.
Connect the story to real-life situations by discussing times when your family members felt similar emotions, fostering a deeper understanding and empathy.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding and Expressing Emotions
Explanation: The book uses different colors to symbolize various emotions, helping children understand that feelings are a normal part of life.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to identify and express their feelings more clearly, aiding emotional development and communication skills.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Compassion
Explanation: Through the protagonist's observations of his family's emotions, children see how to be sensitive to others' feelings.
Real-World Application: Kids can practice empathy by recognizing emotions in others and responding with kindness and understanding in their interactions.
Example Lesson: Family Bonding
Explanation: The story shows the family coming together, sharing their feelings and supporting each other, emphasizing the importance of family cohesion.
Real-World Application: Children can appreciate and cherish moments with family, understanding the comfort and support that family members provide.
Example Lesson: Cultural Diversity
Explanation: The book features a Black family and provides glimpses into their cultural practices, promoting diversity and inclusion.
Real-World Application: It encourages children to respect and celebrate different cultures and ethnicities in their community.
Example Lesson: Resilience Through Emotional Expression
Explanation: The protagonist learns to navigate through different emotional states, showing that it's okay to feel and express all emotions.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by acknowledging their emotions without judgment, fostering resilience and self-awareness.