Hector and Maggie
Little Ark Paperbacks Series
What’s inside...
Honour Book, Picture Book of the Year, Children's Book Council Book of the Year Awards 1991. Hector, the bossy rooster, meets his match when the new sheepdog arrives. After a chase that takes them all round the farmyard, they both learn something about peaceful coexistence.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
14-18
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Hector felt when Maggie came to live with him?
What are some ways Hector tried to make Maggie feel welcome?
Can you think of a time when you met someone new? How did you feel?
Why is it important to be kind to others, even if they are different from us?
What would you do if you were in Hector's place?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate their personal experiences to Hector’s story to deepen their understanding of the themes.
Ask your child to imagine different endings to the story and discuss how those changes might affect Hector and Maggie.
Highlight the moments in the story where characters show kindness and discuss the importance of such behaviors with your child.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Friendship and Trust
Explanation: In 'Hector and Maggie,' the bond between Hector the dog and Maggie the cow showcases the importance of friendship and trust. Throughout the story, they support and look out for each other, showcasing a strong, trusting relationship.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to build and maintain trusting relationships with their peers by being supportive and reliable friends in their day-to-day interactions.
Example Lesson: Understanding Differences
Explanation: The story highlights how Hector and Maggie, despite being different species, find common ground and friendship. This helps children understand that differences do not have to be barriers.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to be open and accepting towards others who may look or behave differently from them, promoting inclusivity and empathy in real-life social scenarios.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: Throughout the book, Hector and Maggie face various challenges that they overcome together. Their problem-solving approach emphasizes the importance of teamwork and thinking creatively.
Real-World Application: Children can apply these problem-solving skills in school and home situations, learning to collaborate with others to overcome obstacles.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: The characters show resilience in facing day-to-day challenges on the farm. This resilience teaches children the value of perseverance and determination.
Real-World Application: This lesson is vital in helping children understand that facing challenges is a natural part of life and that persistence can lead to overcoming these challenges.
Example Lesson: Joy of Shared Experiences
Explanation: The enjoyment Hector and Maggie find in their adventures together highlights the joy of shared experiences and companionship.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to value spending quality time with friends and family, recognizing the happiness and bonding such shared experiences bring.