Giants Beware!
#1 of 21 in Chronicles of Claudette Series
What’s inside...
In 'Giants Beware!', Claudette is a young girl with a dream to become a giant slayer. She embarks on a daring adventure with her friends Marie and Gaston to find and defeat a giant, all without their parents' permission. Along their journey, they explore a magical world filled with laughter and challenges. The authors, Rafael and Jorge, share insights into their creative process, discussing their inspirations, character reflections, and their collaborative efforts to bring this whimsical tale to life.
Character compass
Claudette
Gaston
Marie
Discussion points
What do you think made Claudette so determined to go after the giant?
How do you feel about the way Claudette, Marie, and Gaston work together? What can we learn from their teamwork?
If you were in the story, would you join Claudette on her adventure? Why or why not?
What fears did the characters face and how did they overcome them?
How did the villagers react to the idea of chasing giants? What does this tell us about handling fears?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by reading 'Giants Beware!' together, allowing your child to explore the illustrations and express initial thoughts about the story. While discussing, relate the characters’ experiences to real-life situations which your child might find relatable, helping them connect emotionally with the story. Encourage your child to think of themselves as part of the adventure, fostering a deeper understanding of the characters’ motivations and feelings. It's also beneficial to discuss the themes of bravery and teamwork, emphasizing how these can be applied in daily life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage and Bravery
Explanation: Claudette, the protagonist, demonstrates courage by setting out on a quest to fight the local giant, despite being warned about the dangers.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to face their fears and stand up for what they believe in, whether it's trying out for a school play, standing up to a bully, or trying a new activity.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Collaboration
Explanation: Throughout their adventure, Claudette, Marie, and Gaston rely on each other's unique skills to overcome obstacles and challenges, demonstrating the importance of teamwork.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to appreciate the strengths of others and to understand that working together often leads to better results, whether in group projects at school or during team sports.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: The characters often encounter various challenges that they must think creatively to resolve, such as finding ways to cross rivers or tricking adversaries.
Real-World Application: Children can apply problem-solving skills in their day-to-day challenges, learning to think critically and creatively to overcome obstacles.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: Despite numerous setbacks, Claudette and her friends persist in their quest, displaying resilience and determination.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of perseverance in achieving goals, whether it's mastering a new skill, improving in a subject at school, or building long-term projects.
Example Lesson: Understanding and Acceptance
Explanation: The story reveals that the giant is not as fearsome as initially thought, promoting themes of understanding and not judging others based on hearsay or appearances.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be open-minded and accepting, promoting empathy and understanding diverse perspectives in their interactions.