A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to School...
#2 of 6 in I Didn't Do My Homework Because... Series
on Goodreads (961)
What’s inside...
In this action-packed, laugh-out-loud story, a student encounters numerous obstacles on the way to school including giant ants, evil ninjas, a massive ape, mysterious mole people, and a giant blob. These fantastical detours lead to a series of outrageous excuses for being late. The story explores whether these excuses are genuine or if there is an even more unbelievable explanation. From critically acclaimed author/illustrator team Davide Cali and Benjamin Chaud, this fast-paced narrative navigates the unbelievable oddness and challenges of getting to school.
Character compass
The Boy
Teacher
Discussion points
What was the funniest excuse the boy made, and why did it make you laugh?
How do you think the boy felt when he was telling his teacher about his adventures?
If you had to create your own wild story for being late, what would it be about?
Why is it important to tell the truth, even if it's not as exciting as a made-up story?
How do you think the story would change if it was told from the teacher’s perspective?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine their own outlandish scenarios for being late, enhancing their creativity.
Discuss the importance of honesty with your child, using examples from the book as well as real-life situations.
Ask your child to draw their favorite scene from the book or an entirely new scene they imagine. This will help them connect visually and emotionally with the story.
After reading, relate the book’s themes to your child’s everyday experiences, such as situations at school or with friends, to give the book’s lessons a practical context.
Take turns guessing each other’s reactions to different parts of the book to foster empathy and understanding of different perspectives.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of creativity and imagination
Explanation: The protagonist fabricates wild and imaginative excuses for being late to school, showcasing creativity.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to use their imagination to solve problems and entertain others in their daily interactions.
Example Lesson: Consequences of dishonesty
Explanation: Through the humorous and exaggerated excuses, the book subtly teaches the repercussions of not being truthful.
Real-World Application: Helps children understand the importance of honesty and its impact on trust in real-world relationships.
Example Lesson: Storytelling skills
Explanation: The narrative is delivered through a series of fantastical tales, enhancing storytelling abilities.
Real-World Application: Aids in developing children’s verbal and narrative skills, useful in academic settings and personal development.
Example Lesson: Resilience and problem-solving
Explanation: Each excuse presents a unique challenge that the character overcomes, demonstrating resilience.
Real-World Application: Teaches children to think on their feet and adapt to unexpected situations creatively and confidently.