A Squash and a Squeeze: Hardback Gift Edition
Let's Read Series
What’s inside...
A Squash and a Squeeze is a charming tale about an old lady who thinks her house is too small. She seeks advice from a wise old man, who suggests she bring various animals into her house. As the house becomes increasingly crowded, she realizes that her home might not be as small as she thought.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
2-4
Length
36 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Why do you think the old lady thought her house was too small? What changed her mind?
How do you think the old lady felt when all the animals were in her house?
What would you do if you were in the old lady's place?
How do the animals help the old lady see her house differently?
What did you learn from the story about being thankful for what you have?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading to bring the characters to life, changing your tone and pitch to match their emotions. After reading, relate the story to your child’s experiences by discussing times when they felt crowded or wished for more space. Encourage them to think about creative solutions like the wise old man in the book. Ask them to draw their favorite scene to deepen their connection to the story and its moral.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Appreciation for what you have
Explanation: In the story, an old woman feels her house is too small, but after following the wise old man's advice and filling it with animals only to remove them again, she realizes her home was actually just right.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to see the value in their own possessions and circumstances without comparing them to others, fostering gratitude and contentment.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving through experimentation
Explanation: The old woman in the book tackles her problem by trying out the old man’s unconventional ideas, learning through trial and error.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to think creatively and try different solutions when faced with challenges, understanding that not all solutions are straightforward.
Example Lesson: The importance of perspective
Explanation: The story shows that sometimes problems can seem larger than they are, and a change in perspective, like seeing her house after removing all the animals, can make all the difference.
Real-World Application: This teaches children that stepping back and re-evaluating a situation can help them appreciate what they have and manage their initial reactions.
Example Lesson: Seeking advice from others
Explanation: The old lady seeks the help of the wise old man when she feels her house is too small, demonstrating the value of soliciting advice from those more experienced or with different viewpoints.
Real-World Application: Instills the understanding that it’s okay to ask for help and consider guidance from others, which can aid in making better-informed decisions.