Classroom Discussion Q&As

📘 Finding Love in Cahersiveen

Genre: Romantic Fiction | Themes: Love, longing, rural Irish life

Discussion Questions & Answers

Q1: What does Sean’s longing for love reveal about emotional isolation in small communities? A: Sean’s yearning reflects a universal human need for connection, intensified by the quiet rhythms of village life. His emotional isolation is not due to lack of people, but lack of deep understanding.

Q2: How does the Irish setting influence the tone and pacing of the story? A: The rolling hills and tranquil village life create a gentle, reflective tone. The pacing mirrors the slow unfolding of rural relationships, allowing readers to savour emotional nuance.

Q3: What role does family play in Sean’s journey? A: Family provides comfort but also underscores his sense of incompleteness. Their presence highlights what he has, and what he still seeks.

🧬 Trillion-Her

Genre: Speculative Fiction | Themes: Technology, ethics, environmental crisis

Discussion Questions & Answers

Q1: What ethical dilemmas arise from Tamarind Prassad’s invention of artificial air? A: While her invention saves lives, it introduces air addiction — raising questions about unintended consequences and the moral cost of innovation.

Q2: How does the concept of “groccolions” reflect modern anxieties about artificial intelligence and biotechnology? A: Groccolions symbolise the fusion of nature and machine, echoing real-world debates about synthetic biology and its impact on autonomy and health.

Q3: Is Tamarind a hero or a cautionary figure? A: She’s both. Her ingenuity is admirable, but her story warns against unchecked technological ambition.

🎨 The Groccolli Pictureland Chatbook

Genre: Children’s Literature | Themes: Art, imagination, interactivity

Discussion Questions & Answers

Q1: How does the book encourage children to engage with art beyond passive observation? A: By allowing characters to interact with artworks, it transforms art into a living experience, fostering curiosity and dialogue.

Q2: What educational value does the concept of a “robot book” offer? A: It introduces children to digital literacy and creative thinking, blending storytelling with tech awareness in a playful format.

Q3: Why is imagination central to the book’s appeal? A: Imagination empowers children to see beyond the ordinary — turning pictures into portals and books into adventures.

🧵 The Shoemaker – Principles and Guide for Professionals

Genre: Technical Manual | Themes: Craftsmanship, discipline, fashion design

Discussion Questions & Answers

Q1: What distinguishes shoemaking as both an art and a science? A: It requires aesthetic judgement and technical precision, balancing creativity with structural integrity.

Q2: How does the book support aspiring professionals in the fashion industry? A: It offers practical guidance, ethical principles, and industry insights, making it a valuable resource for both novices and seasoned artisans.

Q3: Why is professional discipline emphasised throughout the guide? A: Discipline ensures quality, consistency, and respect for the craft, essential traits in any skilled profession.

📖 The Whispering Poet – An Anthology of Igbo & Other Proverbs

Genre: Cultural Anthology | Themes: Wisdom, heritage, oral tradition

Discussion Questions & Answers

Q1: What cultural significance do proverbs hold in Igbo society? A: Proverbs are vessels of ancestral wisdom, used to teach, advise, and resolve conflict. They reflect communal values and historical memory.

Q2: How does the anthology preserve endangered oral traditions? A: By documenting and translating proverbs, it safeguards linguistic heritage and makes it accessible to global audiences.

Q3: Can proverbs still influence modern decision-making? A: Absolutely. Their timeless insights offer clarity and perspective in contemporary dilemmas, from leadership to relationships.

🌦️ The Good and Ugly Weather Friends

Genre: Children’s Literature | Themes: Nature, friendship, emotional resilience

Discussion Questions & Answers

Q1: What do the weather characters symbolise in terms of mood and behaviour? A: Each weather type reflects emotional states, sunny for joy, stormy for anger — helping children understand and express feelings.

Q2: How does the story promote empathy and social understanding? A: By showing how different weather friends interact, it teaches acceptance and the value of diverse personalities.

Q3: What lesson does the book offer about change and unpredictability? A: It encourages children to embrace change, recognising that every kind of day, and feeling, has its place.

🐟 The Eel and Phil in Kill

Genre: Children’s Literature | Themes: Friendship, adventure, marine life

Discussion Questions & Answers

Q1: What does the friendship between Eel and Phil teach young readers? A: It highlights trust, cooperation, and the joy of shared discovery, even between unlikely companions.

Q2: How does the marine setting enhance the story’s educational value? A: It introduces children to aquatic ecosystems, sparking interest in marine biology and environmental care.

Q3: What role does humour play in the narrative? A: Humour makes the story accessible and memorable, helping children absorb lessons through laughter.

🌾 The Grass Fart in Donegal Bay

Genre: Children’s Literature | Themes: Nature, curiosity, environmental awareness

Discussion Questions & Answers

Q1: What does the title suggest about the book’s tone and style? A: It’s playful and irreverent, inviting children to laugh while learning about nature’s quirks.

Q2: How does the story encourage environmental curiosity? A: By turning a natural phenomenon into a mystery, it inspires children to observe, question, and explore the world around them.

Q3: What deeper message lies beneath the humour? A: That nature is full of surprises, and understanding it requires both wonder and respect. There's also a lesson on being safety conscious.