Hazel the Guinea Pig
What’s inside...
In this collection of 3 guinea-pig stories, Hazel is a brown, beautiful, happy and very fat guinea-pig who loves exploring, even when it gets her into some awkward situations. Hazel the guinea pig gets stuck in a boot, sees her hutch invaded by an enemy guinea pig, and gives birth unexpectedly.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-10
Length
95 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Hazel felt when she moved to her new home? Can you relate to her feelings?
What are some ways Hazel tried to make friends? What would you have done in her place?
Why is it important to have friends? How do friends help us?
What did you learn about how to treat others from Hazel's experiences?
If you were Hazel, what would you do differently? Why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about Hazel’s journey by relating it to their own experiences with new environments or meeting new friends.
Discuss the importance of empathy and kindness, using examples from the book and asking your child how they apply these values in their own life.
Ask your child to imagine alternative endings or scenarios in the book, enhancing their creative thinking and engagement with the story.
Utilize the illustrations in the book to ask your child what they notice and how those images help tell Hazel’s story, boosting observation and interpretation skills.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and kindness
Explanation: Hazel the Guinea Pig showcases empathy through Hazel’s interactions with other animals in the garden. She listens to their troubles and offers her support selflessly.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to understand and share the feelings of their peers, promoting a supportive and caring environment at school and home.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Throughout the book, Hazel takes care of her home and the surrounding environment diligently, emphasizing the importance of being responsible for one's space.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to take initiative in doing chores, caring for pets, and maintaining cleanliness in their surroundings.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: Hazel faces various challenges, like finding shelter during a rainstorm. She uses critical thinking and creativity to solve these problems, demonstrating effective problem-solving skills.
Real-World Application: Children can apply these problem-solving techniques in academic challenges or in resolving conflicts with peers.
Example Lesson: Courage
Explanation: Hazel shows courage when exploring new parts of the garden and meeting new animals, teaching children to bravely face new experiences and environments.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children feel confident when encountering new situations, such as joining a new school or trying out a different activity.
Example Lesson: Importance of friendship
Explanation: Hazel builds strong friendships through her compassionate and amiable nature. These relationships help her and her friends thrive.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to cultivate and value friendships, which can provide emotional support and improve their social skills.