Give That Back, Jack! (Cautionary Tales)
Cautionary Tales Series
on Goodreads (61)
What’s inside...
Chronicles what happens when Jack, a boy who thinks that he can take anything he wants, goes on a class trip to the zoo. Each tale in this series is a simple rhythmic story designed to introduce very young children to the idea of right and wrong. Each central character discovers in an amusing way the penalty of ignoring warnings to behave properly. It helps to teach children about the consequences of their actions.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-6
Length
24 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Why do you think Jack took things that didn't belong to him?
How did the other characters feel when Jack took their things?
What could Jack have done differently to solve his problem?
What would you have done if you were one of the characters in the story?
How do you think saying sorry can help fix a mistake?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by asking your child to summarize the story in their own words, which helps them process and recall the narrative. Pay attention to their emotional responses and explore those feelings further with the key questions. Relate the scenarios in the book to real-life situations your child might encounter, enhancing their ability to empathize and make connections. Compliment your child’s insights during the discussion to encourage their analytical thinking and validate their understanding.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of sharing
Explanation: In the story, Jack learns the hard consequences of not sharing with others, which ultimately leads him to understand the value of generosity.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson in real life by understanding that sharing toys or snacks with friends at school can foster better relationships and inclusive play.
Example Lesson: Understanding consequences of actions
Explanation: Jack faces various challenges due to his actions in the story, which teaches children that there are consequences for every action.
Real-World Application: This can help children think twice before acting impulsively and teach them to consider the potential outcomes of their behaviors.
Example Lesson: The value of honesty
Explanation: As Jack's tale unfolds, the benefits of being honest become clear, contrasting with the pitfalls of deceit.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to be honest in their dealings with others, which can lead to more trust and fewer misunderstandings in their relationships.
Example Lesson: Resolving conflicts
Explanation: The story shows Jack navigating through conflicts and learning ways to resolve them effectively.
Real-World Application: This lesson equips children with the ability to handle and resolve disputes among peers at school or during playtime, promoting a peaceful environment.
Example Lesson: Learning from mistakes
Explanation: Jack's journey highlights that mistakes are a natural part of learning and that owning up to them can lead to personal growth.
Real-World Application: This teaches children not to fear mistakes but see them as opportunities to learn and improve themselves in various aspects of life.