At the Hotel Larry
Larry the Polar Bear Series
What’s inside...
In 'At the Hotel Larry' by Daniel Pinkwater, readers follow the whimsical story of a young boy and his eccentric Aunt who decide to stay at the unusual Hotel Larry. The hotel is run by a polite walrus named Larry, who ensures their stay is anything but ordinary. The book is filled with Pinkwater's signature humor and quirky characters, including talking animals and other odd hotel guests. As the boy explores the hotel's peculiar amenities and interacts with its unique inhabitants, he experiences a series of amusing and surreal adventures. The story celebrates the joy of unexpected encounters and the charm of embracing the strange and wonderful aspects of life. A young girl and Larry, the polar bear who lives in her father's hotel, enjoy each other's company and, on an outing to the zoo, they discover Larry's brother Roy.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
6-8
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think makes Hotel Larry different from other hotels?
How do you feel about the way Larry interacts with the other characters in the story?
What was the funniest part of the book for you, and why did it make you laugh?
If you could create your own unique hotel, what special features would it have?
What lessons do you think we can learn from Larry's adventures?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading to bring the story and its characters to life, making the reading session more enjoyable and engaging.
Encourage your child to imagine their own hotel adventure, fostering creativity and deeper connection with the story.
Discuss the different emotions characters express in the book; this can help your child learn about empathy and emotional intelligence.
After reading, encourage your child to draw their favorite scene or character from the book, reinforcing their memory and understanding of the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of Adventure
Explanation: In 'At the Hotel Larry', Larry the dog's curious nature and adventures at the hotel expose children to the excitement of exploring new environments.
Real-World Application: Children learn to embrace new experiences and explore the world around them, promoting a sense of adventure and curiosity in their daily lives.
Example Lesson: Value of Hospitality
Explanation: The story showcases how guests are treated at the hotel, highlighting the kindness and welcoming nature of Larry.
Real-World Application: This lesson can teach children the importance of being hospitable and kind to guests in their own homes, fostering an environment of respect and kindness.
Example Lesson: Problem-Solving Skills
Explanation: Larry encounters various challenges at the hotel and must come up with solutions, demonstrating effective problem-solving skills.
Real-World Application: Children learn to think critically and develop solutions to obstacles they face, enhancing their ability to handle challenges in school and in relationships.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Larry shows responsibility in managing his duties around the hotel, ensuring all guests are comfortable and everything runs smoothly.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to take on responsibilities at home or in school, teaching them accountability and the importance of contributing to community tasks.