Barry Loser and the Holiday of Doom (Barry Loser)
#5 of 11 in Barry Loser Series
on Goodreads (270)
What’s inside...
Roald Dahl Funny Prize-winning series follows Barry and his best friend Bunky. Barry is excited to share a family caravan holiday in Plonkton with his friends, but the trip is disrupted when Bunky falls in love, causing unforeseen chaos. Jim Smith, celebrated children's author, captures the humor and challenges of friendship and young love in this engaging series. This series is perfect for fans of Dennis the Menace, Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Tom Gates, and Mr Gum. Barry humorously narrates the ups and downs of their holiday, lamenting Bunky's newfound love which turns their planned 'keelfest' into chaos. Jim Smith, who graduated from art school with first-class honours, has also created branding for a coffee shop chain and designs under the name Waldo Pancake. His fun and funny books include titles like 'I am not a Loser', 'Barry Loser and the holiday of doom', and 'Future Ratboy and the attack of the killer robot grannies'.
Discussion points
How do you think Barry felt when his holiday plans didn't turn out as he expected? Can you relate to a time when something similar happened to you?
What are some ways Barry tries to make the best out of his situation? What would you have done in his place?
Barry encounters some unique characters during his holiday. Who was your favorite and why?
How does Barry's perspective on his holiday change from the beginning to the end of the book? Have you ever changed your mind about something after giving it a chance?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing a personal story about a time when a holiday or plan didn’t go as expected, and what you learned from that experience.
Encourage your child to think about the emotions of the characters by asking how they would feel in similar situations, fostering empathy and understanding.
Discuss the importance of adaptability and finding joy in unexpected circumstances, highlighting these as themes in Barry's story.
Celebrate your child's responses to encourage them to share more openly and think more deeply about the story’s themes.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of friendship
Explanation: Throughout 'Barry Loser and the Holiday of Doom', Barry navigates various challenges and adventures with his friends, demonstrating the value of having trusted companions.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and nurture their friendships, understanding that friends can provide support and fun in both good times and challenging moments.
Example Lesson: Dealing with disappointment
Explanation: Barry faces unexpected situations that do not go as planned. He learns to cope with these disappointments without letting them ruin his overall experience.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand that not everything may go according to plan, and it's important to adapt and find joy in other aspects of the experience.
Example Lesson: Resilience and problem-solving
Explanation: Barry shows resilience when problems arise during his holiday, finding creative solutions to overcome them.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to think critically and remain resilient in face of obstacles, skills that are essential in everyday life and as they grow older.
Example Lesson: Appreciating differences
Explanation: Barry interacts with various characters who are different from him, learning to understand and value these differences.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to be open-minded and respectful towards people who may not look, act, or think like them, promoting inclusivity and empathy.