Be Careful, Xiao Xin!

Be Careful, Xiao Xin! is a heartfelt exploration of courage, identity, and self-belief, beautifully written by Alice Pung and illustrated by Shah Lil Ng. Xiao Xin sees himself as a red fire warrior, brave and strong-but his loving family, constantly reminding him to œbe careful, don't see it that way. Through a child's perspective, this story sensitively captures the tension between a child's need for independence and an adult's instinct to protect. With expressive artwork and a powerful narrative, the book explores intergenerational dynamics, cultural expectations, and the bravery that comes from within. It invites children to reflect on who they are and what they're capable of, while encouraging adults to trust in young people's inner strength. This moving story is especially valuable in classrooms discussing resilience, emotional safety, and family communication.

Educational Benefits:

• Promotes emotional intelligence and resilience through storytelling.
• Encourages discussion about identity and cultural expectations.
• Supports comprehension through visual storytelling techniques.
• Introduces empathy and perspective-taking in social learning.

Classroom Ideas:

• Ask students to draw themselves as superheroes with their unique strengths.
• Host a classroom discussion on times they felt brave or misunderstood.
• Create a œconfidence wall with affirmations inspired by Xiao Xin's journey.
• Use role-play to explore the difference between caution and courage.

Information:

• Ages: 5-9 years
• Format: Hardcover
• Measurements: 288 x 219 mm
• Focus: Confidence, family, courage, cultural identity