Hi, Harry!
on Goodreads (173)
What’s inside...
Harry Tortoise is slow. He's very, very, very slow. He wants someone to play with, but everyone is so quick. Will he ever find a friend who is as slow as him? This book carries the strong, positive message that everyone is different.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-7
Length
56 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Harry felt when he couldn’t find a friend who liked the same things he did?
What do you think makes a good friend?
Why do you think the other animals didn’t want to play with Harry initially?
How did Harry and the tortoise become friends?
What does this story teach us about friendship and patience?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading to convey the emotions Harry experiences throughout the book, helping your child connect with the character.
Pause after key moments in the story to ask your child how they think a character is feeling, promoting empathy and understanding.
Relate the story to your child’s experiences by discussing times they have felt similar to Harry and what they did.
After reading, encourage your child to draw or act out their favorite scene, reinforcing their understanding and engagement with the story’s themes.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of friendship
Explanation: In 'Hi, Harry!', the main character, Harry the tortoise, seeks friends who share his slow pace. The story demonstrates the value of forming meaningful relationships.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and seek out friendships that make them feel understood and valued, recognizing that true friends will appreciate them as they are.
Example Lesson: Patience in developing relationships
Explanation: Harry experiences challenges in finding friends who move at his speed, teaching readers that patience is crucial when forming new friendships.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand that building relationships takes time and they should not feel discouraged if friendships do not form immediately.
Example Lesson: Acceptance of differences
Explanation: Throughout the book, Harry encounters various creatures different from him. This diversity in characters teaches the value of accepting and embracing differences.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by learning to accept and embrace the differences in people around them, fostering a more inclusive environment.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: Despite the setbacks Harry faces, he continues his quest for companionship. His perseverance ultimately leads to finding friends.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to keep trying in the face of challenges, understanding that perseverance can lead to positive outcomes.