Hampire!
What’s inside...
On the farm, the animals are aware that a creature known as the Hampire roams at night. One sleepless night, Duck goes out in search of a midnight snack but encounters the Hampire. A chase ensues across the farm as Duck tries to make it back to bed safely with his snacks. This barnyard adventure is brought to life by author Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen and illustrator Howard Fine, making it a great read-aloud story.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Why do you think the animals were scared of Hampire, and how did their feelings change throughout the story?
What would you do if you were one of the animals in the barn? Would you hide or try to solve the mystery?
How did the twist at the end of the story make you feel? Were you surprised to learn the truth about Hampire?
What do you think is the most important message of 'Hampire!'?
How can we help someone who is misunderstood, like Hampire was, in our own lives?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by recapping the story together, encouraging your child to express their favorite parts or any surprises they experienced.
Use expressive voices for different characters to make the discussion more lively and entertaining.
Ask your child to draw their favorite scene from the book, then use this drawing as a prompt for further discussion about the story and its characters.
Encourage your child to think critically by asking them what they would change about the story and why.
Relate the themes of the book to your child’s own life by discussing times when they have felt scared or misunderstood and how they overcame it.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of Problem Solving
Explanation: In 'Hampire!', characters face the challenge of dealing with a mysterious creature in their midst. Through teamwork and using logical reasoning, they address and solve the mystery.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to address problems they encounter at school or at home by thinking critically and collaborating with others, promoting effective problem-solving skills.
Example Lesson: Value of Friendship
Explanation: The story emphasizes building friendships even in unlikely scenarios. Characters build bonds and work together, showing the importance of companionship.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of making and maintaining friendships, helping them to develop social skills and emotional intelligence.
Example Lesson: Facing Fears
Explanation: Characters in the book confront their fears when they encounter the Hampire. They learn to overcome their anxieties and face the unknown bravely.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to face their own fears, whether it's trying new activities or speaking in front of a class, thereby boosting their confidence and resilience.
Example Lesson: Understanding Misunderstandings
Explanation: The twist in the book shows how misunderstandings can lead to misconceptions about others. The characters learn the truth, illustrating the importance of communication and understanding.
Real-World Application: This can help children grasp the importance of clear communication and not jumping to conclusions, fostering a more inclusive and empathetic viewpoint.