Spaghetti in a Hot Dog Bun: Having the Courage to Be Who You Are
By Maria Dismondy
What's special about this book?
Imagine a world where being different is celebrated rather than teased. In "Spaghetti in a Hot Dog Bun: Having the Courage to Be Who You Are," Lucy teaches children the importance of kindness and self-acceptance as she navigates the challenges of bullying. Kids adore the vibrant illustrations and relatable story, while parents and educators value its powerful messages of courage and empathy, making it an essential addition to any child's bookshelf.
Read-aloud tips
To create a captivating read-aloud experience, set the stage with a cozy reading nook that allows for comfort and focus. Use an engaging, animated voice for Lucy and a contrasting tone for Ralph to bring the characters to life, enhancing the emotional weight of the story. Encourage your child to participate by asking them to mimic Lucy's brave choices or to express how they would feel in similar situations, fostering a deeper connection with the themes of kindness and courage.
Discussion questions
- What makes Lucy different from her classmates, and how does she feel about it?
- Can you think of a time when someone was unkind to you or a friend? How did that make you feel?
- If you were in Lucy's shoes when Ralph needed help, what would you do and why?
Fun activities
After reading "Spaghetti in a Hot Dog Bun: Having the Courage to Be Who You Are," create a 'Kindness Tree' together. Use colored paper to cut out leaves, and on each leaf, write or draw one act of kindness you can do for someone else. This activity not only reinforces the book's themes of kindness and self-acceptance but also encourages children to think creatively about their actions and how they can positively impact others. Additionally, you can have a 'Compliment Circle' where each person shares a compliment about another, helping children practice expressing kindness in a supportive environment.