Baghead
on Goodreads (402)
What’s inside...
From the author of National Book Award finalist Hey, Kiddo and Good Night, Monkey Boy comes a humorous tale about Josh, a boy who decides to wear a paper bag over his head after a haircut goes wrong. Despite disapproval from his mother, bus driver, teacher, and soccer coach, Josh persists with his paper bag. The story unfolds with a surprise ending that leaves readers giggling and serves as a cautionary tale against self-administered haircuts.
Age
3-7
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Joshua
Dad
Mom
Discussion points
What do you think Joshua felt when he wore a paper bag over his head?
How did Joshua's friends react to his new haircut and paper bag? What would you do if you were one of his friends?
Why do you think Joshua decided to wear a paper bag? Have you ever felt like hiding something about yourself?
How did Joshua solve his problem with the paper bag at the end of the story? What would you have done in his place?
What does this story teach us about embracing our unique selves and differences?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by asking your child how they interpret the illustrations and connect them to the storyline; visuals often enhance understanding and can set a framework for the discussion.
Encourage empathy by asking your child to put themselves in Joshua’s shoes. This helps deepen their understanding and connection to the character’s feelings and actions.
Highlight Joshua’s problem-solving skills and creativity. Discuss with your child times they've had to solve a problem and what they learned from it.
Reinforce the idea that it's okay to be different and that every person has something unique about them. Ask your child what they love most about themselves.
End with a positive note about the importance of friendship and support like Joshua received. Ask your child about times their friends have helped or supported them.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Creativity and Self-expression
Explanation: In 'Baghead', the main character, Josh, wears a paper bag over his head after a gum-related hair incident. He creatively turns the situation around by decorating the bag, demonstrating the power of self-expression and creativity.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by using their imagination to solve problems and express themselves through art, craft, or play, turning challenges into opportunities.
Example Lesson: Dealing with Mistakes
Explanation: Josh's initial response to his hair mishap is to hide it, but throughout the story, he learns to accept and deal with his mistake. This helps in building resilience and learning from errors.
Real-World Application: This can teach children to accept their mistakes and learn from them rather than hiding or being ashamed, promoting personal growth and resilience.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: When Josh's sister finds out why he's wearing the bag, her reaction is sensitive and understanding rather than judgmental. This highlights the importance of empathy.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to approach their peers' unique situations with empathy and support, rather than judgment, fostering a supportive social environment.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: Josh creates several humorous situations while trying to navigate life with a bag on his head. This showcases his problem-solving skills, as he adjusts to the limitations and finds ways to cope.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to think outside the box and find solutions to their problems, enhancing their cognitive flexibility and problem-solving skills.