Bumble-Ardy
What’s inside...
Bumble-Ardy, by Maurice Sendak, is his first book as both author and illustrator since 1981's Outside Over There. The story originates from a Sesame Street animated segment and follows a mischievous pig named Bumble-Ardy who finally celebrates his first birthday at age nine. The party turns into a wild masquerade, showcasing Sendak's classic robust pictures and rowdy rhymes. Themes of youthful exuberance and familial love are explored through the relationship between Bumble-Ardy and his aunt.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think Bumble-Ardy feels about having his very first birthday party?
Why is it important for Bumble-Ardy to celebrate his birthday, even though it's a bit late?
How do the different characters in the story help Bumble-Ardy celebrate his special day?
What would you do if you were at Bumble-Ardy’s birthday party?
How did the story make you feel when the party got very wild?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the events in the book, relating them to their own experiences with celebrations or disappointments.
Ask your child to imagine their ideal birthday party and discuss how it compares to Bumble-Ardy's party.
Discuss the importance of friendship and support, as seen in the characters who attend Bumble-Ardy’s party.
Use the story as an opportunity to teach about consequences by discussing the aftermath of the wild party.
Highlight the theme of resilience and starting over, encouraging your child to think about how Bumble-Ardy might feel at the end of the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: Bumble-Ardy faces many adversities but learns to overcome them by throwing himself a birthday party after never having one before his ninth birthday.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of self-care and celebrating personal milestones, even in tough circumstances, which can help them develop resilience in their own lives.
Example Lesson: Consequences of Actions
Explanation: Bumble-Ardy's excessive party planning leads to a chaotic outcome, teaching him the effects of his decisions.
Real-World Application: This helps children understand that their actions have consequences, guiding them to make better choices.
Example Lesson: Forgiveness
Explanation: After the wild party, Bumble-Ardy is forgiven by his aunt, showcasing the power and importance of forgiveness.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to forgive others and seek forgiveness themselves, which is crucial for building healthy relationships.
Example Lesson: Celebrating Individuality
Explanation: Bumble-Ardy throws a unique party that reflects his personality, emphasizing the celebration of one's individual traits.
Real-World Application: Children are taught to embrace and express their unique characteristics, which fosters self-confidence and acceptance.
Example Lesson: Importance of Rules
Explanation: The chaotic result of Bumble-Ardy's unsupervised party highlights the necessity of rules and boundaries.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand why rules are established, encouraging them to adhere to guidelines set by parents or guardians.