Curious George the Surprise Gift (CGTV)
Curious George Series
on Goodreads (72)
What’s inside...
The Man with the Yellow Hat brings home a birthday present for a friend, and in an effort to distract George and prevent him from opening the gift, the man gives George an orange to 'unwrap.' The curious monkey discovers that there are many other things to unwrap besides presents (like the bathroom walls with their peeling wallpaper!), but maybe not all of them can be rewrapped. Full-color activities: a matching and twenty questions game, a birthday idea space, and a think-more-about-it section.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-7
Length
24 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Curious George felt when he found the surprise gift?
What would you have done if you were in George's place when he discovered the gift?
Why is it important to share and care for others, just like George learns in the story?
Can you think of a time you gave someone a surprise? How did it make you feel?
What do you think makes a good surprise?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate personal experiences to the story, enhancing their empathy and understanding. Use expressive reading to highlight emotions in the story, prompting your child to explore the feelings of the characters. After reading, engage in an activity related to the theme, like creating a simple handmade gift for someone, to reinforce the lessons learned.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of generosity
Explanation: In 'Curious George the Surprise Gift', George learns about the joy of giving when he picks out a present for his friend's party.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to express their affection and strengthen friendships by sharing and giving gifts to their peers during birthdays or other celebrations.
Example Lesson: The value of thoughtfulness
Explanation: George's journey to find the perfect gift illustrates the thought he puts into making his friend happy, emphasizing the impact of considerate choices.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to be considerate by thinking about what others might enjoy or need, and applying this empathy in their daily interactions.
Example Lesson: Consequences of curiosity
Explanation: While searching for the gift, George's curiosity leads him into mild trouble, teaching kids that actions have consequences.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand the importance of thinking their actions through and recognize the potential outcomes of their curiosity.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: Throughout the book, George encounters various challenges but finds ways to overcome them, showcasing effective problem-solving.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to face obstacles head-on and find creative solutions, an essential skill in school and life.
Example Lesson: Celebration of diversity
Explanation: The party shows a variety of characters from different backgrounds coming together to celebrate, providing a lesson in diversity and acceptance.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and embrace differences in people, understanding that diversity enriches group experiences.