The Island of Free Ice Cream
Another book in the Brave books series that blew me away is “The Island of Free Ice Cream.” Brave Books tackles hot topics in our culture and brings them down to a child’s level of understanding.
This book tackles the weighty subject of capitalism versus communism, but in a way that's perfectly suited for young readers. Don’t believe me? Read on! The story follows Asher the Fox, who runs a bustling market booth selling all sorts of useful goods. One day, some wolves come to town, promising that their island of Utopia offers free ice cream for everyone. Enticed by this tantalizing offer, the other animals put the wolves in charge, only to discover that life in Utopia is far from the paradise it was made out to be. Asher quickly realizes that the wolves' promises of abundance are nothing but lies, and he hatches a plan to escape Utopia and reclaim his home.
As a mom, I appreciate how Brave Books manages to tackle complex economic and political concepts in a way that's accessible and fun for kids. The illustrations are whimsical and the characters are oh so charming. Brave books often uses the same characters throughout their series which children get attached to and love.
Brave Books provides a "Brave Challenge" - a series of activities and discussion questions that help families explore the themes of the story even further. These resources are invaluable for parents who want to use this book as a springboard for deeper conversations.
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