About This Book
Evaline Ness's Caldecott-winning picture book, "Sam, Bangs & Moonshine," tells the poignant story of Samantha, a fisherman's daughter known for her elaborate "moonshine" tales. Sam's vivid imagination often blurs the lines with reality, much to her father's concern. When her friend Thomas and her cat Bangs get caught in a dangerous seastorm after believing one of Sam's fantastical stories, Sam is forced to confront the serious consequences of her untruths. This book beautifully explores themes of honesty, responsibility, and the delicate balance between imagination and reality, culminating in a heartfelt lesson about truth and empathy. It's ideal for children aged 4-8, prompting discussions about the impact of our words.
Relates the experiences of a little girl as she learns to tell the difference between makebelieve and real life.
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Scary Scenes
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Discussion Prompts
1
What is "moonshine" in the story? Can you think of a time when you've used your imagination in a way that was like Sam's moonshine?
2
Why do you think Sam liked to tell stories that weren't real?
3
How did Sam feel when Thomas and Bangs were in danger? What did she learn from that feeling?
4
What's the difference between telling a fun, imaginative story and telling something that isn't true when someone might believe it?
5
How did Sam show she was sorry to Thomas? What does it mean to make amends?
External Reviews
Google Books
2/5 (1 ratings)
Awards
1 award
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