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The Tale of the Tiger Slippers
Last updated Wednesday, May 11, 2022
Author: Jan Brett
Date of Publication: 2019
ISBN: 039917074X
Grade Level: 2nd (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: May 2022
Synopsis:
Set in India, this gorgeous reimagining of the classic Middle Eastern folk tale "Abu Kassem's Slippers" features a poor tiger cub who is a very hard worker. His mother weaves him slippers to protect his feet from stones and thorns, and they allowed him to prosper - first making bricks, then building houses, and eventually becoming very wealthy. He continues to wear them until someone questions why such a prominent person would wear such worn shoes. Feeling embarrassed, Tiger tries to get rid of the slippers, but fate keeps bringing them back.
Finally, Tiger sends them to his uncle, who weeps with pride when he sees the slippers his sister made and his nephew used to accomplish so much. He sets off right away to visit them, bringing the slippers along. Tiger can't believe the slippers are back again, but his little cub gives him an idea: honor the slippers by building a special place for them, to remind him of how far he's come.
| Note to readers: |
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The illustrations in this book are gorgeous. You might want to do a picture-walk before reading. Or after reading, go back through to look over the detailed pictures.
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| Discussion topics for before reading: |
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Why would a tiger need to wear slippers?
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Do you like to wear slippers? What kind (fuzzy, comfortable)? Show off your slippers!
Vocabulary:
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bound around - To run or jump about playfully.
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raggedy - messy, torn and looking a little dirty
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banyan tree - an Indian fig tree whose branches produce aerial roots that later become accessory trunks. A mature tree may cover several acres in this manner.
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taunts - remarks made in order to anger, wound, or provoke someone.
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castaway - thrown away : rejected.
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tigress - a female tiger.
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lofty guest - noble, important, and admirable.
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dinghies - name for various native boats in the East Indies, 1810, from Hindi dingi "small boat,"
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goatherd - a person who tends goats.
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| Discussion topics for during/after reading: |
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Why did Tiger's mother make the slippers?
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How did the slippers help Tiger?
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Why did Tiger keep discarding the slippers? Do you think he should have kept them?
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How many different kinds of animals can you find in the illustrations?
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*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions.
You can use them, but you don't have to use them.
You can expand upon them, or add your own twist.
Remember, though, that the focus of your time should
not be on the development and execution of a craft;
the focus should be on the read-aloud and the
enjoyment of the book!
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