Don't Tickle the Shark!
Don't Tickle ... Series
What’s inside...
In 'Don't Tickle the Shark!', children embark on an interactive underwater adventure where they meet various sea creatures, including a shark, dolphin, sea lion, and seagull. The book features tactile elements that encourage young readers not to tickle the characters to avoid triggering movements or sounds. This playful narrative combines humor with sensory stimulation and imparts a gentle lesson about respecting animals' boundaries. The story concludes with a musical finale that encourages dancing, making it a fun and engaging read for toddlers and young children.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
1-3
Length
10 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the shark feels when it's tickled?
What would you do if you met friendly sea creatures like in the book?
Why is it important to ask someone before tickling or touching them?
Can you think of other ways to make friends with someone without tickling them?
What are some rules we follow when we meet new animals or people?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in the story and ask how they might feel or react in similar situations.
Help your child relate the sensations of tickling to their own experiences and discuss personal boundaries.
Use the book’s illustrations to discuss emotions and feelings, asking your child to point out visual cues like facial expressions or body language.
Reinforce the message about respect and consent, explaining why it’s important to understand and respect others' personal space.
After reading, engage in a playful activity like drawing their favorite scene to further enhance their connection with the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Respecting Boundaries
Explanation: The story teaches children the importance of respecting others' boundaries through the interactive narrative of not tickling the shark.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to understand and respect personal space and boundaries of friends and family members.
Example Lesson: Cause and Effect
Explanation: As children interact with the book and see the consequences of tickling the shark, they learn about cause and effect.
Real-World Application: This helps children grasp that their actions have consequences, aiding them in making thoughtful decisions in daily activities.
Example Lesson: Following Instructions
Explanation: The repetitive and engaging directive 'Don't tickle the shark!' reinforces the importance of following instructions.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson in environments like school or home where following directions is crucial for safety and order.
Example Lesson: Sensory Exploration
Explanation: Through tactile engagement with the book, children explore different textures which aids in sensory development.
Real-World Application: This tactile exploration is foundational for fine motor skills which are used in activities such as writing, tying shoes, or playing instruments.