Hank the Clank
Hank the Clank Series
What’s inside...
Once upon a time there was a ghost named Hank, whose job was to clank a ball and chain round an old churchyard. He and the other ghosts longed to make friends with normal people, but everyone he approached simply ran away. This book is written and illustrated with a great deal of ghoulish fun.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-9
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think made Hank feel different from the other robots?
How did Hank's unique abilities help him in the story?
Can you think of a time when you felt like you didn't fit in? How did you handle it?
What does friendship mean to you, and how did it play a role in Hank's adventure?
If you could give Hank one piece of advice, what would it be?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading to highlight the emotions Hank experiences, helping your child connect with the character.
Pause at key moments to ask your child how they think Hank feels or what they would do in his situation.
After reading, encourage your child to draw or act out their favorite scene, deepening their understanding and recall of the story.
Link the story's themes to real-life situations your child might encounter to reinforce the moral lessons.
Finish your discussion by asking your child to think about what they learned from Hank's story that they can apply in their own life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of friendship
Explanation: Hank the Clank demonstrates the power of friendship through the support Hank receives from his friends when facing challenges.
Real-World Application: Children learn to value and nurture relationships, understanding that friends can provide support and strength during tough times.
Example Lesson: Resilience in adversity
Explanation: Hank encounters various obstacles but continues to persevere, teaching resilience.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to keep trying despite difficulties, fostering a resilient mindset that is crucial in overcoming life’s challenges.
Example Lesson: Embracing uniqueness
Explanation: Hank, being different from others, learns to embrace his uniqueness throughout the story.
Real-World Application: Children are taught to celebrate their individuality and the unique traits of others, promoting self-esteem and inclusivity.
Example Lesson: Creative problem solving
Explanation: The book highlights how Hank uses creativity to solve problems that he encounters.
Real-World Application: Kids learn the value of thinking outside the box, applying creativity to navigate obstacles in everyday situations.
Example Lesson: Importance of honesty
Explanation: Through Hank's interactions, the importance of being truthful is evident.
Real-World Application: This lesson instills the virtue of honesty in children, helping them build trust and integrity in their relationships.