Grand Old Oak and the Birthday Ball: More Than 100 Things to Find
Brown Bear Wood Series
What’s inside...
The story is set in Brown Bear Wood, where the Grand Old Oak is celebrating a milestone birthday. To mark the occasion, Bear and the other woodland creatures are throwing a birthday ball. As the preparations unfold, young readers are encouraged to search for over 100 hidden items in the illustrations, enhancing their observation skills and engagement. The tale is complemented by original poems and charming color art, making it a delightful birthday present and an engaging read for children.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-6
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the Grand Old Oak would say if it could talk during the Birthday Ball?
How do you feel when you find something hidden in the pictures?
Why do you think the author chose to hide so many things in the book?
Can you imagine your own ending to the Birthday Ball? What would happen next?
Which character would you want to be friends with and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive voices for different characters to make the story come alive. Pause after each hidden item is found to discuss its significance or why it might be important to the story. Encourage your child to describe the pictures and what they see, enhancing their observation skills and vocabulary. Connect the story's themes or events with your child’s experiences, such as attending a party or feeling excited about finding something.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of Community
Explanation: In 'Grand Old Oak and the Birthday Ball,' the community comes together to organize a birthday celebration, demonstrating teamwork and the value of community support.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to participate in local events and understand the benefits of helping and supporting those around them, building a sense of community from a young age.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: The characters in the book encounter various challenges while preparing for the ball. They must think creatively and work together to overcome these obstacles.
Real-World Application: Children can apply problem-solving skills in school projects or in resolving conflicts with peers, enhancing their critical thinking and cooperation abilities.
Example Lesson: Attention to Detail
Explanation: As children search for the 'More Than 100 Things to Find,' they must pay close attention to the details within the illustrations, fostering keen observation skills.
Real-World Application: This skill can be beneficial in academic settings, such as being detail-oriented in their homework, or in everyday life, such as noticing when a friend might need help.
Example Lesson: Celebration of Milestones
Explanation: The book centers around planning a birthday party, which underlines the importance of celebrating personal milestones and achievements.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to cherish and recognize personal and others’ achievements, whether it's celebrating a birthday, an academic achievement, or a personal milestone.
Example Lesson: Value of Patience
Explanation: As characters work together and face delays or challenges, they demonstrate patience throughout the story.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to be patient when working on group activities or while learning new skills, understanding that some tasks require time to achieve success.