Bertie's Big Day
Adventurous Bertie Series
What’s inside...
In 'Bertie's Big Day', readers follow the charming adventures of Bertie the Boar as he sets out to find the perfect way to celebrate his birthday. Along the way, Bertie encounters various animals and challenges, learning important life lessons and discovering the true meaning of friendship and community.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
6-10
Length
24 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What was your favorite part of Bertie's big day, and why did it stand out to you?
Bertie faced a big challenge in the story. How do you think he felt, and what would you do if you were in his shoes?
How did Bertie's friends help him during his adventure? Can you think of a time when your friends helped you?
What do you think is the most important lesson Bertie learned? How can that lesson help you in your own life?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about Bertie's journey, validating their emotions and connecting them to personal experiences.
Ask open-ended questions that go beyond 'yes' or 'no' answers to foster deeper understanding and critical thinking about the story’s themes.
Utilize the illustrations in the book to discuss visual storytelling elements that complement the narrative, enhancing comprehension and enjoyment.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of teamwork
Explanation: In 'Bertie's Big Day,' Bertie collaborates with his friends to organize a surprise party. The story highlights how working together facilitates achieving goals that seem unattainable individually.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of cooperating with others, whether in school projects or during play, to accomplish shared objectives more effectively.
Example Lesson: Embracing diversity
Explanation: Throughout the story, Bertie interacts with various characters from different backgrounds, teaching him to appreciate diversity and the uniqueness of each individual.
Real-World Application: This lesson prepares children to respect and celebrate differences among their peers, promoting a more inclusive community environment at school and in other social settings.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Bertie takes on the responsibility of planning and executing the party, showing the importance of being reliable and accountable for tasks one is given.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to take responsibility in their own lives, from completing homework to performing chores, fostering a sense of duty and reliability.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: When challenges arise during the party planning, Bertie and his friends find creative solutions. This portrays problem-solving as a vital skill for overcoming unexpected difficulties.
Real-World Application: This skill helps children in thinking creatively to solve problems they encounter, whether in academic tasks or personal challenges, enhancing their adaptive abilities.
Example Lesson: Joy in doing good for others
Explanation: Bertie's motivation is to make his friend happy with a surprise party, which demonstrates the joy derived from altruistic acts.
Real-World Application: Instills in children the value of selflessness and the happiness that comes from making others happy, encouraging acts of kindness in their daily interactions.