Charlie’s Big Day Out
on Goodreads (1)
What’s inside...
This is the whimsical story of a stained glass cardinal named Charlie. He became restless and bored so he left the comfort of his window to explore what the world had to offer. On his adventure, he realizes that the world is not as simple as he thought.
Discussion points
How do you think Charlie felt when he set out on his big adventure?
What would you do if you were in Charlie's place during his journey?
Why is it important to have friends like Charlie did?
How did Charlie change from the beginning of the story to the end?
What was the most exciting part of Charlie’s day out for you?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in Charlie's world, asking them what they would see, hear, and feel.
Discuss the importance of friendship and teamwork as demonstrated in the story, relating it to your child’s experiences with friends.
Use the changing scenes in the book to ask your child about their favorite places to visit and why.
After reading, ask your child to draw a picture of their favorite part of Charlie’s adventure to stimulate creativity and reinforce story recall.
End the discussion by asking your child if they learned anything from Charlie’s story that they can apply to their own life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Charlie takes care of a lost puppy he finds in the park, demonstrating responsibility.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by taking care of their own belongings or helping with family pets.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: Charlie tries to understand and address the puppy's needs, showing empathy.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to consider the feelings of others and respond compassionately, both at home and in social settings.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: Charlie faces challenges in finding the puppy’s home but creatively solves them.
Real-World Application: Kids can use problem-solving skills to overcome obstacles in their own life, whether in academic tasks or personal situations.
Example Lesson: Courage
Explanation: Despite feeling scared, Charlie bravely asks for help to ensure the puppy’s safety.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of seeking help in difficult situations, fostering bravery and resourcefulness.