Harry and Lulu
What’s inside...
Lulu, who has always wanted a dog, instead gets a very unusual stuffed animal that takes her on a trip to France. Extremely upset when her parents give her a stuffed dog named Harry instead of a real dog, little Lulu throws a fit, until Harry informs her that he is a real dog from France, and together they embark on a rollicking adventure of friendship.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Harry felt when he couldn't find Lulu? What would you do if your favorite toy went missing?
Why do you think Lulu is so important to Harry? Do you have something special that makes you feel safe?
What adventures do you think Harry and Lulu will have next? Can you think of a fun adventure for them?
How did Harry's feelings change throughout the story? Can you describe a time when your feelings changed a lot?
Why is it important to have imagination like Harry? How do you use your imagination every day?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about losing and finding items, relating them to Harry's experiences.
Discuss the importance of attachment to special objects, asking your child about their own special items and why they are loved.
Prompt your child to think creatively by asking them to invent new adventures for Harry and Lulu, expanding on their ideas.
Explore the themes of emotions and changes by comparing situations in the book with real-life experiences your child might have had.
Highlight the role of imagination in problem-solving and play, asking your child how they use their imagination in daily activities.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of imagination
Explanation: In 'Harry and Lulu', the character Lulu uses her vivid imagination to create adventure, bringing ordinary objects to life. This highlights the power of creativity and mental exploration.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to use their imagination in play, which fosters creativity and problem-solving skills in real-life situations.
Example Lesson: Value of friendship
Explanation: The story portrays Lulu's deep friendship with her stuffed dog, Harry, demonstrating loyalty and companionship.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of forming and maintaining strong, supportive relationships with those around them.
Example Lesson: Understanding and managing emotions
Explanation: Lulu experiences a range of emotions throughout her adventures, which are expressed and managed constructively.
Real-World Application: Children learn to identify their feelings and express them in healthy ways, aiding emotional development and interpersonal communication.
Example Lesson: Resilience and problem-solving
Explanation: Lulu faces various challenges on her journey and comes up with creative solutions, showing determination and adaptability.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to stay resilient and resourceful when encountering obstacles in their lives.