Wat een gemier!

Storytelling plays a vital role in passing on traditions, understanding cultures, and connecting with one another. Wat een gemier! is a picture book with an accompanying teaching package designed for primary school children aged 6 to 9. It introduces important themes such as citizenship, diversity, and identity in a playful and accessible way.

The story follows two ant colonies (mier means “ant” in Dutch) that, due to unforeseen circumstances, must come together and find a solution. The book encourages children to engage in dialogue, form their own opinions, and think collaboratively about solutions. It fosters conversations both at home and in the classroom about cooperation, consequences, and respect for differences. The accompanying assignment cards guide children to explore the events and dilemmas individually and as a group, helping them work towards resolving the story’s ending.

Concept and Story: Tanéa Tajiri &  Sarike Gaillard

Written by: Annemarie Jongbloed

Illustrations by: Sarike Gaillard

Coordination by: Tanéa Tajiri

In collaboration with Library West-Brabant © 2019 Tanéa Tajiri & Sarike Gaillard