Helping Hercules
What’s inside...
From the duo who brought you Horrid Henry comes a new take on Greek myths. Follow Susan as she is whisked back to Ancient Greece, experiencing the myths firsthand. From cleaning the Augean stables with Hercules to narrowly escaping being turned to stone by Medusa, Susan finds herself in the middle of the action. This humorous and engaging story serves as a unique introduction to eight famous Greek myths, complete with a guide to pronouncing Greek names.
Discussion points
What challenges did Hercules face and how did he overcome them?
Why do you think teamwork was important in Hercules' adventures?
How did the characters in the book show courage or kindness?
What lesson did Hercules learn by the end of his journey?
If you could help Hercules in one of his tasks, which one would it be and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate the story to their own experiences by asking how they would handle similar challenges. Praise creative responses and guide the conversation to reflect on the importance of perseverance and teamwork. Share your own thoughts about the story's themes to model thoughtful engagement and deepen the discussion.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Cooperation
Explanation: In 'Helping Hercules', the protagonist assists mythical characters to achieve their goals, demonstrating the importance of working together and supporting others.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of collaboration and helping their peers during group activities and play, fostering better social interactions and collective problem-solving.
Example Lesson: Courage and Bravery
Explanation: The young character shows bravery when facing daunting challenges alongside Hercules, illustrating that courage is not about the absence of fear, but about facing and overcoming it.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to face their own fears and challenges, be it trying out for a school play, or standing up for what is right, reinforcing their confidence and moral fortitude.
Example Lesson: Ingenuity and Problem Solving
Explanation: Throughout their adventures, the protagonist uses clever and innovative ways to help Hercules, teaching that sometimes unconventional thinking is needed to solve problems.
Real-World Application: Kids learn the importance of thinking outside the box, which can help them in academic subjects like mathematics and science, and also in everyday challenges.
Example Lesson: Resilience and Perseverance
Explanation: As the protagonist faces numerous hurdles, their persistent efforts demonstrate that perseverance is crucial in overcoming difficulties.
Real-World Application: This instills a mindset in children that consistent effort and resilience can lead to achieving one's goals, be it in their studies, sports, or personal projects.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: By helping various characters, the protagonist shows empathy and an understanding of other's troubles, illustrating the importance of compassion.
Real-World Application: Children learn to be empathetic towards their friends and family, understanding different perspectives and the importance of kindness.