Grouchy Charlie
illustrations by
What’s inside...
This is a book about a cute pug with a dream. A dream of being in the circus. It's a story about not giving up even when obstacles are presented. Your dreams may not come true as you wished them to, but it doesn't mean there isn't another version of the dream ready to become true.
Age
3-10
Length
28 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Why do you think Charlie was feeling grouchy in the story?
What are some ways we can help someone who is feeling grumpy like Charlie?
How did Charlie’s mood change throughout the book, and what caused those changes?
What would you do if you were in a similar situation as Charlie? How would you handle your feelings?
Can you think of a time when you felt like Charlie and what helped you feel better?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use a calm and gentle voice when discussing Charlie's feelings to create a safe space for your child to express their own emotions.
Relate the situations in the book to real-life experiences your child might have faced to make the conversation more relatable.
Encourage your child to think of different solutions or ways to handle grumpy feelings, reinforcing problem-solving skills.
Show empathy and understanding as your child shares, validating their feelings and experiences as they relate to the story.
End the discussion with a positive note, perhaps by asking your child to draw or write about a happy ending for Charlie, promoting creativity and emotional expression.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding emotions
Explanation: The story of 'Grouchy Charlie' follows the main character, Charlie, as he navigates through various situations that make him feel grouchy. Throughout the book, Charlie learns to identify and express his emotions.
Real-World Application: Children can use Charlie's experiences to better understand their own feelings of irritability or anger, and learn to express them in healthy, constructive ways.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: As other characters interact with Charlie, they start to understand why he feels grouchy and help him cope. This demonstrates the importance of empathy.
Real-World Application: Children learn to recognize when someone else is feeling upset or angry and how they might help or respond empathetically, fostering better interpersonal relationships.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: In 'Grouchy Charlie', Charlie faces challenges that contribute to his mood. Through the narrative, he finds ways to deal with these issues, showcasing problem-solving skills.
Real-World Application: This teaches children that problems can be approached and solved in various ways, encouraging them to think creatively and critically in their own lives.
Example Lesson: Importance of communication
Explanation: Charlie’s journey highlights how talking about problems can lead to understanding and solutions, rather than keeping feelings bottled up.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to communicate their feelings and problems as a way to resolve conflicts and misunderstandings in everyday situations.