Bad luck, Sam
What’s inside...
Follow the adventures of a little red squirrel named Sam who experiences a series of unfortunate events, but learns valuable life lessons along the way.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-9
Length
20 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think Sam could have done differently to change his luck?
How did Sam's attitude towards his bad luck affect his day?
Can you think of a time when something didn't go your way? How did you handle it?
How do you think Sam felt at the end of the story?
What would you do if you were in Sam's shoes?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to put themselves in Sam's shoes and think about how they might feel in similar situations. Use examples from their own experiences to connect the story to real life. Highlight the importance of attitude in overcoming challenges, and discuss how changing our perspective can alter outcomes. Finally, emphasize the lesson of resilience and trying again after setbacks.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of challenges
Explanation: The protagonist, Sam, encounters various obstacles and setbacks but learns to overcome them with perseverance and determination.
Real-World Application: Children can learn that challenges are a normal part of life and by persisting, they can overcome them, building resilience and self-confidence.
Example Lesson: Empathy towards others
Explanation: Throughout the story, Sam learns to understand the feelings of his friends when they also face bad luck, teaching him, and young readers, about empathy.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by recognizing emotions in others and responding with kindness and support, fostering healthy relationships.
Example Lesson: Importance of a positive attitude
Explanation: Sam realizes that his attitude can influence the outcomes of seemingly unlucky situations, promoting a positive outlook.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand that maintaining a positive attitude can affect their daily experiences and interactions positively.
Example Lesson: Learning from mistakes
Explanation: Each misadventure provides Sam with a learning opportunity, emphasizing that mistakes are a valuable part of growth.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to see mistakes as learning opportunities, enhancing their problem-solving skills and adaptability.