Young Precious: The Collected Adventures
#1 in Precious Ramotswe Series
on Goodreads (6)
What’s inside...
Once upon a time in Botswana there was a little girl called Precious, who grew up to become a famous detective. But even as a young girl she had an extraordinary ability to solve mysteries. This volume contains all her first adventures, from the mystery of some missing snacks to the clues that lead to a family reunion. This is a special collection which includes all four of the Young Precious adventures so far: Precious and the Monkeys, Precious and the Missing Lion, Precious and the Mystery of Meerkat Hill, and Precious and the Zebra Necklace.
Discussion points
What do you think Precious learned about friendship throughout her adventures?
How did Precious show kindness and why do you think that's important?
Can you think of a time when you solved a problem like Precious did?
What was your favorite part of Precious' adventures and why?
How would you help a friend like Precious helped hers in the stories?
Tip: Role play these questions
Begin the conversation by sharing your own favorite moment or character from the book to make your child feel more connected and open.
Praise your child’s responses to encourage deeper thinking and connections, regardless of their answers.
Relate the stories to your child’s personal experiences to make the themes more relevant and engaging.
Ask follow-up questions based on your child’s responses to extend the conversation and deepen understanding.
End the discussion by planning an 'adventure' you can have together, inspired by Precious' stories.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of kindness
Explanation: The protagonist, Young Precious, consistently demonstrates kindness towards her friends and even to animals, showcasing empathy and compassion.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by helping a classmate, sharing their toys, or taking care of pets, encouraging them to foster a caring and supportive community.
Example Lesson: The value of curiosity
Explanation: Young Precious is depicted as inquisitive, always eager to learn and explore her surroundings, which leads to exciting discoveries and personal growth.
Real-World Application: Encourage children to ask questions about the world around them, engage in exploratory play, and seek out new experiences, which can enhance their understanding and cognitive development.
Example Lesson: Perseverance through challenges
Explanation: Throughout the book, Young Precious faces various challenges but remains resilient and determined, teaching readers about the rewards of perseverance.
Real-World Application: This lesson can be mirrored in a child's life when they encounter difficulties, whether in learning new skills or resolving conflicts, showing them the benefits of persistence.
Example Lesson: The power of friendship
Explanation: The stories highlight how friendships can offer support, fun, and learning opportunities, emphasizing the social and emotional benefits of forming strong bonds.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to build and maintain friendships through collaborative activities and by being good listeners and empathetic peers.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: Young Precious often finds herself solving mysteries and puzzles throughout her adventures, which sharpens her problem-solving skills and critical thinking.
Real-World Application: By facing and discussing everyday problems or challenges and finding solutions, children can develop critical thinking and decision-making skills, preparing them for varied life situations.