Gustavo is part of our Starts With a Story Collection, which includes more than 550 picture book companions based on high quality children’s literature that support you in delivering highly-engaging interactive read alouds with follow up activities. Learn more about this children’s book below! - Jodi and the Starts With a Story Team
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SUMMARY
"Gustavo" by Flavia Z. Drago is a touching children's book that tells the story of a little ghost named Gustavo who longs to make friends but struggles because he is shy. Living in an old, quiet building, Gustavo tries various ways to connect with others but finds it challenging to overcome his timid nature. Determined to find his place, Gustavo gathers the courage to participate in the Day of the Dead festival and share his talent for playing the violin. Through his musical performance, Gustavo discovers that his uniqueness and vulnerability can be embraced, leading to new friendships and a sense of belonging. With colorful illustrations and a heartfelt narrative, Drago's book celebrates individuality, the power of self-expression, and the importance of embracing one's fears to find true connection. "Gustavo" is a heartwarming tale that encourages young readers to embrace their own uniqueness and reach out to others with empathy and kindness.
 USE THIS BOOK TO TEACH:
Our read aloud lesson plans for this picture book come with reading comprehension questions (with sample student responses), 30 writing prompts, teaching ideas for grammar skills, social emotional learning discussion ideas, and more. Check out our list below to get a sneak peek at some of the skills this resource teaches.
- Practice making predictions throughout the book. Encourage students to check and see if their predictions were correct.
- Discuss the different characters in the story and analyze their thoughts and actions.
- Analyze the illustrations in the story. Discuss how they provide meaning that the words might not.
- Teach a lesson on making connections to enhance comprehension.
- Introduce or review how and why author’s use ellipses.
- Discuss friendship and the qualities that make a good friend.
- Discuss how problem solving was used throughout the story.
NO-PREP PRINTABLE ACTIVITIES:
If you are looking for “ready to go” activities for the first day of school, be sure to check out the book companion. With it you’ll receive all of the following resources to align with this specific book:
- comprehension questions
- 30Â writing prompts with themed paper
- vocabulary activities
- word study print & go activities
- ideas for grammar lessons with focus sentence printables
- social emotional learning discussion topics
- graphic organizers to target specific comprehension skills and strategies
This book is a must have for your school or classroom library. Your students are going to love completing these activities for the book and you will be impressed with how much they learn. You will want to read this book to your class every year.
GET THE PRINTABLE ACTIVITIES
ADDITIONAL BOOK SUGGESTIONS
You and your students will love the similar books listed below, which can all be found in our free picture book list.
- The Dead Family Diaz by P.J. Bracegirdle
- Skeleton Meets the Mummy by Steve Metzger
- Bonaparte Falls Asleep by Margery Cuyler
- Bone Soup by Cambria Evans
TRY OUT A SAMPLE COMPANION
It's hard to explain how amazing the Starts with a Story book companions are because there is just so much goodness included in each one. It's best if you experience using one for yourself. Sign up below & we'll send you an entire book companion to try out for FREE!
