Fake Snakes and Weird Wizards: Here's Hank
#4 of 12 in Here's Hank Series
What’s inside...
Hank’s sister Emily wants Ralph’s Reptile Show to perform at her birthday party more than anything, but Ralph is booked solid. So Hank comes up with a plan: he’ll disguise himself as a magician called The Westside Wizard and pull a snake from thin air! But when Hank’s true identity is revealed during his performance, his good deed might just turn into a huge disaster.
Character compass
Hank Zipzer
Ashley Wong
Frankie Townsend
Ms. Adolf
Nick Mckelty
Discussion points
Why do you think Hank came up with a plan to use fake snakes?
How did the weird wizards change the story? What would you do if you met one?
Hank faces some challenges in the book. Can you share a time when you faced a challenge and how you handled it?
What did you learn about friendships from Hank’s experiences?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing your thoughts about the book, expressing genuine interest. Use the questions to guide a deeper conversation, allowing your child to express their thoughts and feelings freely. Listen actively and validate their perspectives. Encourage them to relate the book’s themes to their own life experiences, enhancing their empathy and understanding.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Individuality
Explanation: Hank, the protagonist, showcases his unique talents and quirks throughout the narrative, despite feeling different from his peers.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate their own uniqueness and feel confident in expressing themselves authentically in various social settings.
Example Lesson: Problem-Solving
Explanation: Hank encounters challenges that he must navigate using his creativity and resourcefulness, demonstrating effective problem-solving.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to think critically and creatively when faced with obstacles, enhancing their decision-making skills in real-life scenarios.
Example Lesson: Importance of Honesty
Explanation: In his adventures, Hank learns the value of being honest, both with himself and others, fostering trust and integrity.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to practice honesty in their daily interactions, which builds a foundation of trust and respect with friends and family.
Example Lesson: Value of Friendship
Explanation: Throughout the story, Hank relies on the support and camaraderie of his friends, learning the importance of teamwork and mutual support.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to appreciate the role of friendships in achieving common goals and overcoming life's hurdles together.
Example Lesson: Dealing with Change
Explanation: Hank experiences various changes in his environment and learns to adapt, demonstrating resilience.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply this lesson by learning to remain flexible and resilient in the face of new situations or environments, such as moving to a new school or city.