Digger
Big Machines Series
on Goodreads (7)
What’s inside...
Alf and his digger arrive at a building site where there's a lot of work to be done. The digger moves huge mounds of earth while the award-winning illustrations by Benedict Blathwayt stimulate young children's interest and observation skills. However, chaos ensues when Patch, the foreman’s dog, goes missing. Children join in the search by lifting flaps to locate Patch, but only Dougal the digger proves brave enough for the task. Bold and bright illustrations, along with a hidden bunny on every page, make this a captivating and repeatedly enjoyable story for young readers.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
1-5
Length
12 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think Digger enjoys the most about his work?
How do you think the other characters feel about Digger and why?
If you could help Digger on one of his adventures, what would you do?
What can we learn from Digger about helping others?
If you had a day to spend with Digger, what would you both do together?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in the world of the book, asking what they would do if they were in Digger's place.
Discuss the importance of teamwork and helping others, as shown through Digger’s interactions with other characters.
Ask your child about their favorite part of the book and why it stands out to them, fostering a deeper connection to the story.
Relate the story's scenarios to your child’s own experiences to help them relate to the characters and their challenges.
Praise empathetic responses or insightful comments your child makes to reinforce critical thinking and emotional understanding.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Cooperation
Explanation: Throughout 'Digger,' the characters work together to solve problems and accomplish tasks, showcasing the importance of collaboration.
Real-World Application: Children can practice teamwork at school during group projects or at home by working together with siblings to complete household chores.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Problem Solving
Explanation: The story encourages thinking outside the box through the creative solutions the characters use to navigate challenges.
Real-World Application: This lesson can be applied in a child's life when they encounter difficulties, teaching them to think creatively to find solutions, whether in their playtime or homework.
Example Lesson: Resilience and Perseverance
Explanation: Digger faces numerous obstacles but continues to push forward, showing children the value of perseverance despite difficulties.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to keep trying even when faced with challenges, such as learning a new skill or struggling with a tough school subject.
Example Lesson: Respect for Nature
Explanation: The book illustrates the beauty and importance of the natural environment, prompting children to respect and care for it.
Real-World Application: Children learn to be mindful of their environment and can engage in activities like recycling, conserving water, or planting trees to support nature.
Example Lesson: Joy of Exploration
Explanation: As Digger explores his surroundings, the story conveys a sense of adventure and discovery, sparking curiosity.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to explore their own environments, try new activities, and ask questions to learn about the world around them.