Pistes d'exploration

Even though the family lost their possessions, they could still make a home in a new place. Talk about what makes a home.

The family wanted a chair which they considered a “want” as opposed to a “need”. With a partner, make a list of furniture that is a “need” in a home and furniture that would be a “want”.

Draw conclusions about how the community came together to help the family.

Write a response to the story. What big ideas was the author trying to convey (the importance of community/family, saving for something special).

Talk about people losing their homes and postulate why this might happen.

Consider the objects shared by others to help Vera. What would they still need to live comfortably? Count the chairs sofas and other items in your home.

Recall situations where you have helped someone by sharing your own things. How could you help a neighbour in Vera

Think of an item you would like to have. Is it a need or a want? How could you earn or save the necessary money? Consider the (dis)advantages of buying through credit versus saving.

Make a chore chart for Vera’s family. What chores do you do at home? Make a chore chart for your family. How could work be shared more equally?

Mama, I'll Give You the World, Yatandou, TheMagic Beads, Beatrice's Goat

Mots-clés

Picture book , character , community , cooperation , kindness , mothers and daughters , resilience , saving money

Commentaire descriptif

After a fire destroys their home and possessions, three generations of hardworking women—Rosa, her waitress mother and her grandmother—slowly save up their money until they can afford to buy “the best chair in the whole world,” a “wonderful, beautiful, fat, soft armchair . . . covered in velvet with roses all over it.” The story depicts a culturally diverse neighbourhood pitching in to help the family move into their new apartment.The fire itself takes place only in a flashback; the main focus of the story is the big money jar and the characters' dogged determination to save up for the chair (“It takes a long time to fill a jar this big.”) Written from the young girl's point of view, this upbeat tale tells of how one family struggles to cope in the aftermath of tragedy. Thematically patterned borders frame the vibrant and detailed watercolour illustrations that have a childlike feel to them. The book ends on an optimistic note, with Rosa and her family finally getting an opportunity to enjoy the rest and comfort symbolized by the new chair.