Written by: Brooke Van Sickle
Illustrated by: Gabriela Dieppa
Children will love this book about imagination and adventure. Little do they know; it is also about sharing and friendship. Brooke Van Sickle does a great job of sneaking in teachable moments while Gabriela Dieppa brings it all to life with vibrant illustrations. This is My Castle is all about one little girl who struggles when she is left out of her sister’s game. So, she sets out on an adventure to find her own castle. When she finds just the right spot, will she leave others out? Or will be willing to share and not make others feel the way she did at the beginning of the story?
Here are some questions to get your minds thinking, after you read this book as a family: (as always, adjust questions as needed for the age range in your household):
1. Is there a time you have felt left out?
2. Which gnome do you think is the cutest and why?
3. How would you catch the frog?
4. Which illustration is your favorite and why?
5. What would you have said to the boy?
6. Do you think it is more fun to play alone or with others?
7. How do you share with others?
8. Do you have a special place you like to go and play?
Your child will love reading this story again and again. The text dances within the illustrations and they will be excited to see what happens next. Be sure to challenge them and get them thinking of what they would do in that situation. Take this opportunity to discuss a time they may have felt left out and how it made them feel. Ask if they would ever want to make someone feel that way or if they would want to include others? Make sure to talk about how we all need time to play by ourselves sometimes, and that is alright. There are also times when it is more fun to play with a friend. Now would be a great time to make your own castle, build one with boxes, draw with crayons, use Legos, build a blanket fort, or get out the play dough. Let your imagination run wild.
You can purchase this wonderful book here: This is My Castle
Happy Reading!
Megan Pighetti
Author of Fairy-Tailed Wish – Available on Amazon
It’s more than a book. . . it’s a childhood experience to be treasured for a lifetime.
