Zella Zack and Zodiac
on Goodreads (391)
What’s inside...
Zella the zebra helps Zack the ostrich when he is young and helpless. When he grows up, Zack returns the favor by saving Zella's young offspring from a lion.
Age
7-9
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Zella
Zack
Zodiac
Discussion points
What do you think Zella learned about making new friends in the story?
How do you feel when you meet someone different from you, like how Zella met Zodiac?
What would you do if you were in Zella's place when she faced a problem?
How did Zella and Zodiac help each other overcome their fears?
Can you think of a time when you worked with a friend to solve a problem, just like Zella and Zodiac?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate personal experiences to the book’s themes, fostering a deeper connection and understanding.
Ask questions that require more than a yes or no answer to encourage critical thinking and elaborate responses.
Positively reinforce any effort from your child to discuss and connect with the story, building confidence and enthusiasm.
Use expressions and voices for different characters to make the reading more dynamic and engaging, helping your child immerse more into the story.
After discussing the book, encourage your child to draw or write about their favorite part, deepening their comprehension and memory of the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Uniqueness
Explanation: In 'Zella, Zack, and Zodiac', Zella, a zebra, and Zack, a zebu, bond despite their differences, illustrating the importance of embracing diversity.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate and respect individual differences in their peers, fostering inclusivity in their everyday interactions.
Example Lesson: The Power of Kindness
Explanation: Zack shows kindness by sharing his meadow with Zella. This act of generosity plays a central role in forming their friendship.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to share and be kind to others, which can lead to lasting friendships and a more harmonious classroom or playground environment.
Example Lesson: Overcoming Challenges
Explanation: Zella struggles initially to adjust to her new environment, but eventually finds comfort through friendship. This highlights resilience and adaptability.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to persevere through new or challenging situations, whether they're adjusting to a new school, facing a difficult subject, or making new friends.
Example Lesson: Value of Teamwork
Explanation: Zella and Zack work together to protect each other, showcasing the benefits and importance of teamwork.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of cooperating and working with others to achieve common goals, useful in group projects or team sports.