Henry's Boots (Hippo Sport)
#1 in Hippo Sport Series
on Goodreads (11)
What’s inside...
Henry Davis, known for his clumsiness, astounds everyone on the pitch by skillfully maneuvering the ball towards the goal. With the ball seemingly glued to his feet, he swerves past defenders and scores a stunning goal, leaving the crowd in disbelief. It appears as though there's magic in Henry's boots.
Discussion points
How do you think Henry felt when he put on his new boots for the first time?
What are some ways that Henry shows he is excited about playing sports?
If you had a pair of magical sports boots, what sport would you play and why?
Can you think of a time when you tried something new like Henry? How did it make you feel?
How did the other characters react to Henry's new boots? What does that tell us about friendship?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate personal experiences to Henry's story, fostering a deeper connection to the themes of trying new things and sportsmanship.
Ask open-ended questions that prompt your child to think about the emotional aspects of the book, reinforcing empathy and understanding.
Facilitate a conversation about teamwork and sharing, vital themes in the book, by discussing real-life situations where these could apply.
Use expressive read-aloud techniques to mimic the excitement of the story, helping to capture your child's imagination and engagement.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Collaboration
Explanation: Henry learns the importance of working with his teammates during a sports game, realizing that cooperation is key to success.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson in group activities at school or in sports, learning to value each team member's contributions.
Example Lesson: Resilience and Perseverance
Explanation: Despite initial struggles, Henry perseveres and continues to practice his sport, ultimately improving his skills.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to persist in the face of challenges, whether it be in learning a new skill, or overcoming obstacles in their personal lives.
Example Lesson: Sportsmanship
Explanation: Henry demonstrates good sportsmanship by playing fair and showing respect to both his teammates and opponents.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of respect and fairness in competitive situations and in everyday interactions.
Example Lesson: Setting Goals
Explanation: Henry sets a personal goal to perform better in sports, and he actively works towards achieving this goal.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of setting personal goals and the steps necessary to achieve them, which can be applied to academic, personal, or extracurricular objectives.
Example Lesson: Health and Fitness Awareness
Explanation: Through his sports activities, Henry realizes the importance of staying active and healthy.
Real-World Application: This promotes an understanding of health and fitness in children, encouraging them to participate in physical activities and understand the benefits of a healthy lifestyle.