An Unexpected Thing
What’s inside...
An Unexpected Thing is a beautifully illustrated, touching children's picture book about facing fears, dealing with anxiety and learning to explore the world. Fred, who is afraid of everything, encounters a huge, menacing spot and is too terrified to confront it. Coco, on the other hand, is fearless and excited about new experiences. She convinces Fred to join her in discovering the true nature of the spot. As they embark on this adventure, Fred learns to face his fears and realizes that the world isn't as bad as he thought when you're ready to explore. The story highlights different perspectives and overcoming feelings of worry and uneasiness.
Discussion points
What do you think the main character felt when they encountered the unexpected thing?
How would you have reacted if you were in the same situation?
What do you think the 'unexpected thing' represents in the story?
Can you think of a time when something unexpected happened to you? How did you handle it?
Why do you think the author chose to end the story the way they did?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the book, emphasizing that all interpretations are valid.
Relate the themes of the book to real-life experiences to help your child connect with the story on a personal level.
Ask open-ended questions to challenge your child to think critically about the story's message and characters.
Share your own reactions to the book to model thoughtful engagement and foster a deeper conversation.
Highlight the moral or lesson of the story, and discuss how it can be applied in everyday life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Change
Explanation: In 'An Unexpected Thing', the main character learns to adapt when unexpected events change their daily routine.
Real-World Application: Children can use this lesson to cope with new situations like moving to a new school or welcoming a new family member.
Example Lesson: Importance of Curiosity
Explanation: The story encourages exploring new things and asking questions, which leads to important discoveries.
Real-World Application: This can promote a child’s inquisitiveness and enthusiasm for learning both in academic settings and in everyday life.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the Face of Challenges
Explanation: The protagonist shows resilience when faced with challenges, demonstrating that persistence is key to overcoming obstacles.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply this lesson when dealing with difficult tasks or setbacks, understanding that perseverance leads to success.