Boo and the Elf

What’s inside...

Boo and the Elf is a charming tale of a young child named Boo who encounters a mischievous elf. Together, they embark on a series of adventures, learning about friendship, bravery, and the magic of believing in oneself.
Series reading

Non-Sequential

Age

5-7

Length

32 pages

Text complexity

Discussion points

How do you think Boo felt when he met the elf for the first time? Can you describe a time when you met someone new?
What do you think is the most important lesson Boo learned from his adventure with the elf?
If you were Boo, what would you have done differently in the story? Why?
What are some ways Boo and the elf showed teamwork in the story?
How did the setting in the forest make the story more magical? Can you imagine your own magical place?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the characters, asking them to relate personal experiences that remind them of the story’s events.
Discuss the moral of the story and its application to real-life scenarios, promoting ethical thinking and empathy.
Ask your child to predict what could happen next in the story before turning the page, enhancing their anticipation and analytical thinking.
Use expressive voices for different characters to make the reading more dynamic and entertaining.
After reading, engage in a creative activity like drawing a scene from the book or writing a short letter to one of the characters, boosting understanding and retention.

Key lessons

Example Lesson: Importance of Friendship
Explanation: In 'Boo and the Elf,' Boo forms a close bond with a lost elf, demonstrating acts of kindness and companionship throughout their journey.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of forming and nurturing friendships, which helps in developing empathy and social skills in their everyday interactions.
Example Lesson: Courage in Overcoming Fears
Explanation: Throughout the story, Boo faces various challenges and learns to overcome his fears with the help of his new friend, the elf.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to face their own fears and teaches them that they can overcome obstacles with courage and support from friends.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Boo takes on the responsibility of helping the elf find his way back home, showcasing dedication and commitment.
Real-World Application: Children learn about the importance of being responsible for others and the positive impact of fulfilling commitments in their daily lives.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Problem Solving
Explanation: Boo and the elf encounter various situations that require creative thinking and problem-solving skills to navigate.
Real-World Application: This lesson highlights the significance of using creativity and intellect to solve problems, enhancing critical thinking skills in real-world scenarios.
Example Lesson: Joy of Adventure
Explanation: The story takes readers on an enchanting adventure, filled with magical elements that captivate and engage.
Real-World Application: It encourages children to explore the world around them with curiosity and enthusiasm, fostering a love for discovery and adventure.

Boo and the Elf by Moira Maclean, Sophie Giles