Cock-A-Doodle Christmas!
on Goodreads (49)
What’s inside...
When Old Rooster leaves the farm, young Harold takes over the job of waking the farm animals each morning. However, Harold has a soft voice, which makes it hard for the animals to hear his wake-up call. Then, one special evening, a miraculous birth triggers Harold to shout the good news, finally being heard by all. This Christmas story by Will Hillenbrand, illustrated in gouache, ink, and collage, highlights how even the smallest creature can be transformed by the birth of Christ.
Age
3-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think made the rooster want to wake everyone up on Christmas morning?
How do you think the other animals felt about the rooster’s early morning wake-up call?
Can you think of a time when you were really excited to share something with others? How did you do it?
Why do you think it’s important for all the animals to celebrate together?
If you were one of the animals in the story, what would you do to make Christmas special?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate their own experiences to the rooster’s enthusiasm for Christmas morning, drawing parallels between their feelings during festive occasions.
Discuss the importance of community and sharing joyous moments as depicted in the book. Ask your child how they like to celebrate special events with friends and family.
Highlight the theme of excitement and anticipation. Engage your child by asking them to predict what might happen next or how they would contribute to a similar celebration.
Explore emotions by focusing on the reactions of different characters in the book. This will help your child understand and empathize with diverse perspectives.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of collaboration
Explanation: In 'Cock-A-Doodle Christmas!', the barn animals work together to prepare for a festive celebration. Their teamwork is crucial in organizing the event successfully.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the value of cooperating with others, whether it's during group projects at school or when playing with friends.
Example Lesson: Embracing one's unique abilities
Explanation: Each animal in the story contributes in a unique way based on their individual talents and capabilities, celebrating the idea that everyone has something special to offer.
Real-World Application: This story encourages children to recognize and appreciate their own unique skills and those of others around them.
Example Lesson: The joy of giving
Explanation: The animals enthusiastically prepare gifts and surprises for each other, showcasing the happiness derived from making others feel loved and appreciated through acts of kindness.
Real-World Application: Kids can be motivated to partake in acts of giving, understanding that the act of giving is as joyful and fulfilling as receiving.
Example Lesson: The spirit of Christmas
Explanation: The book highlights themes of joy, peace, and goodwill, elements that are central to the celebration of Christmas.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to embody the spirit of Christmas all year round, promoting peace and goodwill in their daily interactions.