January 2022 Global Children’s Book Club Discussion Schedule

Tuesday, 1/4: Picture book read aloud of The Legend of Old Befana
Tuesday, 1/11: Chapter book discussion of 1st half of The Orphan of Ellis Island
Tuesday, 1/18: Recipe cook along
Tuesday, 1/25: Chapter book discussion of 2nd half of The Orphan of Ellis Island


Featured Italy Picture Book for Kids: The Legend of Old Befana: An Italian Christmas Story by Tomie dePaola

Available on Amazon, Bookshop, Target, Walmart, Thriftbooks

YouTube Read Aloud

The Legend of Old Befana Discussion Questions

  • Old Befana felt very committed to her home and chores. Do you have chores that you do in your home?
  • What sorts of gifts does Old Befana give? What type of present would you like to give to someone very important to you?
  • Do you think Old Befana is mean or kind, or both?

Featured Italy Chapter Book for Kids: The Orphan of Ellis Island by Elvira Woodruff

Available on Amazon, Bookshop, Target, Walmart, Thriftbooks

The Orphan of Ellis Island Discussion Questions

  • Do you have a family? What does your family look like?
  • Have you ever moved to a new country, city, or school? What was it like? How can you help someone else who is new feel more comfortable?
  • The tour guide calls Ellis Island both the “Island of Hope” and the “Island of Tears.” Which do you think is more accurate, and why? Can they both be true?
  • How do you think Dominic was similar to and different from his ancestors?

Italian Folk Tale

YouTube video

Italian Language Lesson For Kids

YouTube video

Italy Writing Prompts for Kids

  • Who is part of your family? Are you friends with any of your family members?
  • If you could go back in time to meet any ancestor, who would you choose?
  • What is the difference between a refugee and an immigrant? When do you think it might become necessary to become a refugee?

Other Children’s Books About Italy