Jane Smith aka Thistle Fabuloso with 2 lesson plans

Jane Smith aka Thistle Fabulosa - Written by Barra Grant | Illustrated by Jeff Shelly

Who says kids are supposed to be happy just because they’re kids?

Meet Jane Smith—a word-loving, fish-owning, coat-wearing nine-and-three-quarters-year-old with a brain full of questions and a life full of quakes (literal and emotional). Her parents just got divorced, nobody asked her opinion, and her only companions are two fish named Frank and Stein. Feeling invisible, unusually tall, and unusually insightful, Jane does what any brilliant and slightly gloomy kid would do: she reinvents herself as Thistle Fabulosa—a purple-flowered, prickly-stemmed heroine with something to prove. What follows is a whirlwind of wonder, wit, and wildly moving moments as Thistle navigates family shakeups, playground politics, the mysteries of metaphors, and the occasional flying armchair. And in a dreamlike turn, her too-small wool coat becomes a magical fix-it coat—mending not just her sleeves, but her spirit.

Written with piercing honesty and unforgettable humor by award-winning playwright Barra Grant, Jane Smith aka Thistle Fabulosa is a wise, whip-smart story for anyone who’s ever felt a little too much, a little too often—and secretly hoped that maybe, just maybe, they’re meant for more. And the illustrations! Jeff Shelly’s playful, expressive artwork lifts Thistle’s voice right off the page. His drawings don’t just complement the text—they elevate it, capturing the emotional beats and whimsical turns in a way that keeps both kids and grown-ups engaged, amused, and occasionally teary-eyed.

Equal parts hilarious and heartfelt, this book is a love letter to big feelings, messy families, and the unexpected power of a really good scarf. Perfect for readers aged 8 to 99—especially those who believe imagination might just save the day.

Suggested reflection questions (Note to Parents and Educators)

I recommend reading the full story first—letting the humor, honesty, and heart of Jane’s voice unfold naturally. Her journey gently explores the emotional landscape of a child navigating divorce, loneliness, and self-doubt, offering a surprisingly safe and relatable entry point for conversations around mental health and identity.

The ten reflection questions that follow are designed as a thoughtful companion, BUT please don’t feel it’s a necessity.. They’re ideal for homeschool settings, classroom discussions, or parents who wish to dive deeper with their children. Each question is paired with an annotated answer to support understanding, and all are closely tied to character development and the story’s deeper themes—resilience, reinvention, and the power of internal validation.

Use them if and when it feels right. Sometimes the richest conversations grow from stories left to sit and settle. Like any good piece of art, sometimes the greatest benefit comes simply from experiencing it—together or on your own, with no agenda at all.

1. What does Jane’s choice to rename herself say about how she sees the world—and herself?
Jane’s decision to rename herself “Thistle Fabuloso” reflects a desire to assert control over her identity in a world where many choices—her parents' divorce, her fish instead of a dog—are made for her. “Thistle” conveys her sense of being tough and protected (like the prickly flower), while “Fabuloso” signals a longing for something magical, extraordinary, or aspirational. The renaming marks an inner transformation and suggests that Jane sees names as a way to shape how she navigates a confusing, sometimes painful reality.

2. Why do you think Jane finds it easier to talk to her fish than to her parents?
Frank and Stein (her fish) are silent, nonjudgmental companions. They offer a safe space where Jane can project politeness and emotional coherence—things missing from her parents’ combative dynamic. The fish become emotional placeholders for real connection, allowing Jane to rehearse empathy, civility, and belonging in a world where adult interactions often leave her feeling unseen or misunderstood.

3. Jane feels “gloomy” and “different.” What does this reveal about her emotional state?
Jane's gloominess and sense of being “different” point to early signs of depression and social alienation. She feels invisible among her peers, disconnected at home, and confused about what she’s "supposed" to feel. This emotional flatness is matched with bursts of sharp observation and humour, suggesting she uses wit as a shield against vulnerability.

4. Why do you think Jane imagines her fish having polite conversations? How is imagination used as a coping tool here?
Imagining polite, affirming fish dialogues gives Jane a measure of order and decency she doesn’t experience with her parents or classmates. This safe, idealised world helps her process emotional chaos. Imagination becomes both an escape and a tool for self-regulation—a way to rehearse kindness and social connection when real-life versions are unpredictable or hurtful.

5. How do Jane’s parents respond to her emotions, and what could they do differently to help her feel heard?
Jane’s parents attempt superficial check-ins (e.g., “Tell us how you’re feeling”), but they quickly redirect focus to their own grievances. They overlook Jane’s nonverbal cues—chewing her cheek, staring at the rug—which signal distress. A more attuned response would include active listening, validating her complex emotions without rushing to “fix” her, and spending time simply being with her without an agenda.

6. Jane says, “I don’t know why I have to be happy.” What do you think she means by that?
Jane challenges the societal expectation that childhood equals automatic joy. She questions why unhappiness in kids is treated like a malfunction rather than a valid emotional experience. Her statement opens space for a more nuanced understanding of emotional literacy—one where kids are allowed to experience and explore their full range of feelings.

7. What role does humor play in how Jane handles her sadness?
Humour is Jane’s primary defense mechanism. Her wordplay, sarcastic observations, and irreverent takes on adult absurdities protect her from feeling overwhelmed. It also acts as a bridge to others—like when she makes the guidance counselor laugh after her breakdown. It’s both a shield and a key, helping her manage inner chaos and connect with others on her own terms.

8. What are some signs that Jane is feeling depressed or isolated? Have you ever felt this way or seen someone who has?
Jane shows several signs: ruminating thoughts (brain aches), social withdrawal, self-deprecating humour, sleep disturbances, and a belief that no one “gets” her. She often feels like a storm cloud among people walking in sunshine. Many readers may resonate with feeling invisible or stuck—making her experience a powerful starting point for discussions on mental health.

9. What do you think it means to be “prickly” like a thistle? Can this be both a strength and a challenge?
Being “prickly” means Jane protects herself with sarcasm, independence, and standoffishness. It’s a strength because it keeps her from being easily hurt, and she uses it to stand up for others (like elbowing Jeff for mocking Sue). But it’s also a challenge—it isolates her, making it harder to form close relationships. The thistle metaphor suggests that beauty and resilience can coexist with self-protection.

10. How does Jane’s inner world differ from what others see? Why is it important to understand what people might be feeling inside, even if they seem “fine” on the outside?
Jane’s internal world is rich, anxious, curious, and aching for connection—while on the outside, she may seem aloof or “difficult.” The story shows how easy it is to miss a child’s silent suffering when we rely only on visible cues. Understanding others’ internal worlds fosters empathy, reminding us that behaviors often mask deeper truths, especially in kids navigating complex emotions.

Downloadable Lesson-Plan-Structured Activities

Together, the lesson plans “What’s in a Name?” and “Seeing the Invisible” deepen young learners’ understanding of Jane Smith aka Thistle Fabuloso by transforming Jane’s personal struggles into universal experiences of self-discovery and emotional growth. The first lesson empowers students to explore identity through symbolic naming, mirroring Jane’s transformation into Thistle as an act of emotional agency and self-definition. The second lesson brings Jane’s emotional isolation to the surface, guiding learners to recognise and respond to hidden feelings in themselves and others. By engaging creatively with Jane’s story, students are encouraged to reflect on their own inner worlds, practice empathy, and realise that everyone—no matter how invisible they may feel—has a voice, a story, and the capacity to “bounce back.”