Halibut Jackson
on Goodreads (210)
What’s inside...
A picture book about shyness from a new and truly innovative artist. Halibut Jackson is shy and prefers not to be noticed. He loves to make his own suits to blend into various settings, like a flowered suit for the park or a book-patterned suit for the library. When he's invited to a palace party, he makes a palace-patterned suit to hide in plain sight. However, it turns out to be a garden party and Halibut stands out instead. His unique fashion sense makes him the center of attention and the most popular guy in town, showcasing a heartwarming message for shy individuals.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-8
Length
29 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Why do you think Halibut Jackson made different suits for different places?
What do you think Halibut felt when he unexpectedly stood out at the party?
How did Halibut’s feelings change from the beginning to the end of the story?
Can you think of a time when you felt like Halibut and wanted to blend in?
What would you say to Halibut if you were one of the guests at the party?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about shyness, highlighting that everyone feels that way sometimes.
Draw parallels between Halibut's experiences and your child's, fostering empathy and understanding.
Ask your child to suggest different endings to the story to enhance their creativity and problem-solving skills.
Use expressive reading to convey the emotions of Halibut, making the story more relatable and engaging.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Overcoming Shyness
Explanation: Halibut Jackson is a shy character who creates camouflage outfits to blend into his surroundings and avoid being noticed. Through various social interactions, he gradually overcomes his shyness.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the value of facing their fears of social interaction, understanding that they can slowly become more comfortable in social settings with practice and exposure.
Example Lesson: Embracing Individuality
Explanation: The story celebrates Halibut's unique talent for creating outfits that blend into intricate backgrounds, highlighting that what makes him different is also what makes him special.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to appreciate their unique qualities and talents, promoting self-acceptance and confidence in their individuality.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Innovation
Explanation: Halibut uses his creative skills to design outfits that exactly match his environment, demonstrating innovation and creativity.
Real-World Application: Children are inspired to use their imagination and creativity to solve problems and express themselves through art and other creative endeavors.
Example Lesson: Friendship and Social Support
Explanation: As Halibut interacts more with others, he forms friendships that help him feel more comfortable and accepted, highlighting the importance of social connections.
Real-World Application: This can help children see the value of building friendships and supporting each other, enhancing their social and emotional development.
Example Lesson: Courage to Face Social Situations
Explanation: Despite his initial fear, Halibut takes brave steps to attend a party, showcasing his courage to confront challenging social situations.
Real-World Application: Children learn that being brave and stepping out of their comfort zone can lead to positive experiences and personal growth.