Tag: Robert Munsch

The Munsch on a Lesson in Selflessness

No really, who doesn’t love Robert Munsch? Robert Munsch is one of those timeless Canadian authors who makes me proud to be Canadian. His books are always based on real-life people, and every now and then, amidst the hilarity and the true-to-form made-up sounds, there is a moral. Cue entry of this book, easily one of my favourites from the Munsch.

Ribbon Rescue by Robert Munsch is one of those books that leads readers on a journey to discover their inner selflessness. Based on a character who is of Indigenous origin, this book really gives voice to the culture of our Indigenous brothers and sisters in a light-hearted and compassionate way. It is true, a lot of books written by, or based on, Indigenous characters tend to be heavier, with sadder, and often horrific, undertones. While that entire breadth of literature is essential for our Canadian Literary Canon, to ingrain in our minds the requisite components of our Canadian history, Robert Munsch goes off on a lighter tangent to showcase the grace and kindness of this beautiful culture.

Our main character, Jillian, is a young girl who dons a traditional Ribbon Dress and throughout the story, she selflessly offers ribbons to different people who cross her path and seem to need them. Eventually, she is left with nothing and this puts her at a disadvantage, but is her selflessness enough to overcome that disadvantage?

Munsch weaves a compassionate story-line that allows parents and teachers alike to pose questions to young learners about what Jillian is doing. Teachers, your young students might describe Jillian as “kind”, and “nice”, and “sweet”, but herein lies a fantastic opportunity to teach them how to exercise the kinder and selfless side of their everyday selves. This picture book is ideal for a bedtime story or read-aloud with children aged 4-8, and offers plenty of invaluable teachable moments. So pick up a copy of Ribbon Rescue today, and like me, you’ll discover how much young readers (and YOU) will love it!

 

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Enabling Children: Self-Acceptance, Finding Yourself and Courage

Much of what children have to grapple with in the real world today are issues around self-acceptance, finding themselves and courage during trying times. And if you are a teacher, you are in a unique position to help enable your students to develop some of these very valuable life traits.

A very simple way to introduce these topics before making practical activities that students can then use to apply in their lives, is through read-alouds. Read-alouds are a fantastic way to get the conversation started. Students truly love them!

Below, are 4 different read-alouds that teach one of the beautiful lessons of self-acceptance, finding yourself and courage.

20160428_145152 In ish by Peter H. Reynolds, young Ramon loves to draw, but one day his older brother’s harsh criticism dampens his will to develop his talent. That is, until his little sister reveals the value of her perspective. This book deals with the delicate theme of finding your true talent and learning to shut the haters out while keeping your mind open to different perspectives and possibilities.

 

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The Paper Bag Princess is easily my favourite by Robert Munsch. Young Princess Elizabeth shows her courage in rescuing her betrothed prince from a dragon, only to find that he cares more about her appearance than her courage. This classic shows children that courage is ultimately more important than how well you dress, because courage shows character and cannot be bought. It also puts your female students in a unique position to imagine themselves as individuals capable of saving others and making a difference, and not the damsels in distress that alot of our society champions.

 

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Chrysanthemum by Kevin Henkes is about a little mouse who grows up to love her name, until the harsh bullying of her peers changes her mind. Can she learn to love her name, and herself again? Henkes adeptly touches on the subject of bullying, but chooses to focus on the person being bullied as the victor, not the victim. Self-acceptance is at the heart of this book, and so is the courage to be different.

 

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A Bad Case of Stripes by David Shannon paints an intricate picture of a young girl, Camilla Cream, who suppresses her love of Lima beans because she does not want to stand out. Can she learn to feel good about being herself? With generous illustrations that tease the imagination and have students gasping when they see the different forms our protagonist takes, this book is sure to leave your students standing up for what they truly believe in.

Collectively, these books offer students the opportunity to understand that like Ramon, Princess Elizabeth, Chrysanthemum and Camilla, situations that call them to accept themselves and show courage can occur to just about anyone.

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