Are You Sitting Comfortably?
What’s inside...
Follow the journey of a young book lover searching for the perfect spot to settle down and read in 'Are You Sitting Comfortably?' by Leigh Hodgkinson. This beautifully illustrated picture book explores the quest for a comfortable, quiet place free from distractions. Will the little protagonist find the ideal nook to enjoy their book? Join one small book lover's quest to find the perfect snuggle-up-and-lose-yourself-in-a-book place in this playful celebration of sharing books and reading. Hello there! Are you sitting comfortably? Are you sure? Have you found the perfect snuggle-up-and-lose-yourself-in-a-book place? Somewhere comfy, NOT itchy-fuzzy? Somewhere quiet, NOT buzz-buzzy? You have? Great! Unfortunately, the little chap in this book isn't having quite as much luck as you are. Join one small book lover's search for the perfect place to sit (just for a bit!) in this beautifully illustrated and designed picture book by the talented Leigh Hodgkinson.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-5
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did the different chairs in the story make you feel? Which one would you like to sit in?
Why do you think the main character was looking for the perfect place to sit?
What do you think makes a place comfortable for reading?
How do you think the story would change if the character never found the right chair?
Can you think of a time when you felt like the main character, trying to find just the right spot?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, ask your child where their favorite reading spot is and why they like it.
While reading, point out the different chairs and ask your child how they think each chair might feel.
Encourage your child to describe what makes a chair comfortable or uncomfortable using their senses.
After reading, have a discussion about how important the environment is for enjoying a book.
Invite your child to relate the story to their own experiences of looking for the perfect spot to do an activity they enjoy.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of Patience
Explanation: The protagonist explores various seating options in an attempt to find the perfect spot to read, demonstrating patience and persistence.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to be patient and persistent while completing tasks or when searching for solutions in their daily life.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Imagination
Explanation: Throughout the book, the imaginative and creative ways the character thinks about sitting and different chairs encourage thinking outside the box.
Real-World Application: Kids are encouraged to use their imagination in play and problem-solving, enhancing their creative thinking skills.
Example Lesson: Appreciation for Reading
Explanation: The search for the perfect reading spot underlines the comfort and enjoyment books can provide, showcasing a positive attitude towards reading.
Real-World Application: This can motivate children to explore books and develop a lifelong love for reading, improving their literacy and focus.
Example Lesson: Flexibility and Adaptability
Explanation: The character's willingness to try out various places to read demonstrates adaptability to different situations.
Real-World Application: Children learn to be flexible and adapt to different environments or changes in their routines.