Big Red Lollipop Curriculum Guide
Rukhsana Khan | Children’s Books by Pakistanis | Activity Ideas
Rubina is delighted upon receiving a birthday invitation from her friend, but her mother places a condition on letting her accept the invite - Rubina must take her kid sister along.
Reluctantly gulping down her embarrassment, Rubina brings sana along anyway. The embarassment sticks with Rubina untill she uses her wisdom to carve a new path for her siblings. If you’re South Asian or muslim these conditions must not be new to you. Khan has a proclivity for portraying her characters at the center of seemingly hopeless situations, but skillfully maneuvers her way out of them through delightful twists and resolutions that emerge from growth, courage and love.
On the surface this story is about sibling rivalry, but it subtly speaks of breaking generational trauma and the lives of Pakistani immigrants in North America. Additionally, children can examine multiple perspectives with Rubina and Sana’s point of views. Rukhsana Khan is a Pakistani immigrant who writes children’s books about life in Pakistan, family, and immigrant life. Adding this voice to your bookshelf can make it more diverse.
Illustrator Sophie Blackall, Reading level: Ages 4+. Grade level Preschool to 3rd Grade. Language: English Discussion points
Sibling rivalry is a universal experience of growing up, and upon sharing a similar experience, children may seek answers about why things are the way they are.
Even though Rubina holds on to her embarrassing memory from the birthday party, we don’t always have to do that. This story might invoke you or your child to share an anecdote from the past, resulting in meaningful conversations of working through feelings.
Questions about life in Pakistan might come up, this book gives good insight about family life in Pakistan.
Feel encouraged to try the activities below at home or in your classroom. I would love your feedback on how they went, share with me on Instagram @fatmacbooks .
Guiding questions and activity ideas for toddler, preschool and Kindergarden
Connection prompts
Share a story about a time you felt embarrassed at school, and ask children if they have ever felt anything similar.
Identify emotions from the face in the illustrations; happy, sad, upset, angry, confused, excited, mad, worried, embarrassed etc
Share a story about sibling rivalry and encourage your child to do the same if applicable
Share a story about a time you stood up for someone else
Thought provoking questions
How would you feel if I ate your candy that you saved? You might be surprised by their response
How do you think Rubina feels?
Why does Sana eat Rubina’s candy?
Comprehension questions
Why does Rubina stop receiving birthday invitations from her friends at school?
Identify a moment Rubina advocates for little sister
Activity ideas ages 2-5+
Re- create the goodie bag from the title page of the book; purchase the materials, sit back and enjoy them.
Identify patterns you think represent art or textiles in Pakistan
Use the illustrations to identify items which represent Pakistani culture
Re- create the goodie bag and other items with RED play dough, make the dough and use a play dough guide card with pictures of items.
Re create the housing community from the first page with lego or art; find the right lego pieces paying attention to color, sizes and shapes, and begin building. Draw or paint the community on a piece of paper, and use cut outs of paper and cardboard to make the work pop.
Learn how to make candy/ lollipop at home; use tasteofhome.com
Learn to draw paisleys; try unicornlove.com
Identify every Urdu word, and their meaning
Use the patterned circles in the end of the book to create a matching game by copying the page in color and printing it out
Find 10 unique patterns around your home
Play musical chairs
Draw a memory - good and bad
Synopsis Big Red Lollipop
Rubina is excited to finally receive a birthday invitation from school, but her mother doesn’t know what a birthday party is. Rubina’s mother tells her she must bring her kid sister, Sana, along to the birthday. Disgruntled, Rubina tries convincing her Amma otherwise but ends up having to bring Sana along. Rubina feels embarrassed and sadly doesn’t receive any party invitations for the rest of the year. Sana and Rubina quarrel and Rubina learns a hard lesson on being the bigger sister. When Sana receives her own birthday invitation, their mother asks her to bring their youngest sister, Maryam, along. Sana, as disgruntled as Rubina, pleads her mom not to make her do it. Rubina being the eldest respectfully steps in to help and Amma eventually agrees.
Where to find this book
Big Red Lollipop has received prestigious awards and is listed in numerous children’s books articles and publications. Visit Rukhsana Khan’s website to learn more about her adventurous life or to purchase the book. You can also purchase it on amazon.com
Reading level: Ages 4+
Grade level Preschool to 3rd Grade; Language: English
Stay tuned for more children’s books by Pakistanis, author biographies, and material on reading, writing and self development of young children.
