QR Lysan | Van Doesburg Creative Works

QueRy Van™

Mijok's Trip

Author

Niranjan Kunwar

Illustrator

Alina Chhantel

Everything shifts when Mijok joins her father and aunt, Nya, on an unexpected field trip from Kathmandu to Phidim. Travelling through Nepal’s diverse landscapes, Mijok discovers the wonders of her country and the strength within herself. Alongside her father and Nya, Mijok faces new challenges, meets fascinating people, and learns the importance of heritage and belonging. “Mijok’s Trip” is a touching tale of adventure, family bonds, and personal growth.

Get into a conversation circle to reflect on the story, appreciate diversity and inclusion and foster a love for learning and adventure.

Exploring Cultural Heritage:

Share a story where you learned about a friend’s unique cultural background or a time when you shared yours with a friend.

In the story, Nya lights a candle in front of her altar in the morning and the evening. Grown-ups have different ways of saying Thank You to God or the Universe. What is your way of saying Thank You?

Bring an object or a book or a costume from your culture or family’s heritage/tradition and describe why they are important.

Education, Nature,
Travel and Learning:

Do you think we learn both in the classroom and outside?

Does travelling to different places and meeting different people help broaden our learning?

Explore the different places Mijok visits in Nepal. Discuss the beauty and diversity of Nepal’s landscapes. Talk about the importance of preserving natural environments and cultural landmarks.

Name an important trip you have gone to and one thing you learned during the trip.

Courage and Self-Discovery:

Discuss the theme of stepping out of one’s comfort zone. How does Mijok show courage throughout the story?

We all have traits that make us stand out or feel different from others, something that is unique to us. What are some things that make you unique?

Family Dynamics and Support:

Name the people in your immediate and extended family and share a story about important rituals you do together.

Think about the relationships between Mijok, her father and Nya. How do they show care and support for one another?

Do you have friends who feel like family? Describe a time when you felt really supported by them.

Gender Roles and Equality:

What are your thoughts about Mijok being the only girl on the field?

Have you ever been told you can’t do something because of your gender? How did that make you feel?

How can we support each other in pursuing our interests, no matter our gender?

Are there any role models you know of who have broken gender stereotypes? What can we learn from them?