A Squash and a Squeeze
Let's Read Series
What’s inside...
A Squash and a Squeeze is a charming tale about an old woman who believes her house is too small. She seeks advice from a wise old man, who suggests she bring various animals into her home. As she follows his advice, her house feels even smaller with each new addition. Eventually, when she removes all the animals, she realizes that her house is not too small after all. The book is used and in good condition, but due to its age, it may show normal signs of wear.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
2-4
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
The Little Old Lady
Wise Old Man
Discussion points
How do you think the old lady felt when her house felt too small?
What changes did the wise old man make to the house, and why do you think he did that?
How do you think adding all the animals changed the way the old lady saw her house?
What do you think is the message of the story about being happy with what we have?
Can you think of a time when you felt like you needed more space or more things, and what did you do about it?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive animations and voices for each character to make the reading experience lively and engaging.
After reading, relate the story to your child’s experiences by discussing any moments they felt their space was too small or too crowded.
Encourage your child to think critically by asking them what they would do differently if they were in the old lady’s situation.
Highlight the moral of the story by discussing the importance of appreciating what we have before seeking more.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Gratitude for what you have
Explanation: In the story, an old woman feels her house is too small, but after bringing in various animals as advised and then removing them, she realizes her house is not so small after all.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate their own possessions and surroundings, understanding that sometimes contentment comes from perspective rather than from having more.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: The old woman tackles her problem by seeking advice from a wise old man and trying out his suggestions, demonstrating adaptability and open-mindedness.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to seek advice and try different solutions when facing difficulties, teaching them the value of creativity and resilience in problem-solving.
Example Lesson: Listening to guidance
Explanation: The old woman listens to the wise old man's somewhat unconventional advice, which eventually leads her to a positive realization about her situation.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the importance of considering advice from elders or mentors, showing that sometimes wisdom comes from unexpected sources and patience is key.
Example Lesson: Value of experience
Explanation: By experiencing a more crowded situation, the old woman gains a new appreciation for her home as it originally was.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand that sometimes experiencing challenges or less ideal conditions can lead to a greater appreciation of what they have.