Five Little Men in a Flying Saucer (Classic Books With Holes)
Classic books with holes Series
on Goodreads (15)
What’s inside...
When five little men come to visit Earth from Outer Space, they don't like what they see. Finding a planet that is spoiled and neglected, the little men fly away, one by one. Luckily, by the end of this much-loved counting song, the world becomes a better place to visit - and the five little men may even have had something to do with it! All children love this traditional rhyme and singing along will help to develop number skills. Bouncy illustrations, innovative die cutting and popular rhymes make Books with Holes a must for every child. Available in three formats, suitable for babies, toddlers, pre-schoolers and the nursery or classroom.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
2-6
Length
16 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Five Little Men
Discussion points
What do you think the five little men were feeling when they flew around the Earth?
How did the places the flying saucer visited differ from our hometown?
What would you do if you met the five little men from the flying saucer?
Why do you think the little men decided to leave Earth one by one?
What do you imagine the five little men did after they left Earth?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine and verbalize their thoughts about the story’s setting and characters. Use the book’s illustrations to provoke questions about different environments and situations the characters experience. Reinforce comprehension by asking your child to summarize parts of the book, and relate it to their own experiences or feelings. This not only helps in developing empathy but also enhances their communication skills. Lastly, make connections with real-world objects or incidents to make the story more relevant and engaging.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Counting Skills
Explanation: The story involves counting down from five as each little man flies away, providing an engaging way for young readers to practice subtraction and counting.
Real-World Application: Children can apply these skills in everyday life by counting objects, steps, or while playing games to enhance their mathematical thinking.
Example Lesson: Decision Making
Explanation: Each little man makes a decision to leave based on a specific reason, illustrating the concept of cause and effect.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand the importance of making thoughtful decisions and considering the consequences in various situations, such as sharing toys with siblings or choosing a snack.
Example Lesson: Environmental Awareness
Explanation: The little men leave because they are displeased with the pollution on Earth, thereby subtly introducing themes of environmentalism.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be more conscious of their environment and can lead to discussions about recycling, pollution, and how to take care of our planet.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Exploration
Explanation: The book features an adventure in space, sparking imagination and curiosity about the universe.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to explore more about space, planets, and science, and engage in activities such as visiting a planetarium or reading more about astronomy.