Hobby Thought the Sky Was Blue: The Adventures of Hobby and Claire
on Goodreads (4)
What’s inside...
Join Claire the tortoise and Hobby the orphaned aardvark on an adventure of friendship and discovery. As Claire teaches Hobby about different perspectives, they explore the world together, both inside and outside the wildlife rescue center. After being released, Hobby feels a strong bond and returns to Claire. Together they plan more adventures, utilizing secret tunnels and even surprising a couple of penguins. This sweet story begins as Hobby, an orphaned baby aardvark, is taken to a wildlife rescue center and placed in a small habitat with Claire, a wise tortoise who has a crack in her shell. Claire loves watching over Hobby and teaching him about the world, and Hobby loves living with Claire because he learns about the world he never got to see. Hobby asks lots of curious questions and Claire provides lots of answers, teaching Hobby that different perspectives enhance the way to view his surroundings. Once Hobby is older, he is released back into the woods and gets to experience all of the things Claire had told him about. There is only one problem - Hobby misses his friend. Hobby digs a tunnel to visit Claire, and together they venture out of the rescue center to see the bright sky and feel the warmth of the sun. They plan future adventures together now that they are reunited and can utilize their underground passageways to find many more fun places...starting with a couple of surprised penguins.
Discussion points
Why do you think Hobby thought the sky was blue, and what does that tell us about how we all see the world differently?
Can you think of a time when you and a friend had different ideas about something? How did you understand each other better?
What are some ways that Hobby and Claire help each other in the story? Why is teamwork important?
If you could go on an adventure with Hobby and Claire, where would you go and why?
How do you think Claire felt when Hobby shared his thoughts about the sky? How do you feel when someone listens to your ideas?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story, validating their opinions and relating them to their everyday experiences.
Use pauses after reading pivotal moments in the book to ask your child what they think might happen next, fostering predictive and critical thinking skills.
Draw parallels between the story's themes and your child's life, discussing the importance of perspective, friendship, and understanding.
Ask your child to imagine different endings for the book or their own adventures with Hobby and Claire, encouraging creative thinking and storytelling.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: Hobby and Claire learn to understand and appreciate each other’s perspectives when they find themselves in various whimsical scenarios.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to consider the feelings and viewpoints of their peers, promoting harmonious interactions and friendships.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Exploration
Explanation: Throughout their adventures, Hobby and Claire showcase a curiosity about the world around them, asking questions and seeking answers.
Real-World Application: Promotes a love for learning and exploration in children, encouraging them to seek knowledge and engage deeply with their environment.
Example Lesson: The Value of Teamwork
Explanation: Many challenges in the story are overcome through collaborative efforts between Hobby, Claire, and their friends.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of working together, sharing responsibilities, and helping each other to achieve common goals.
Example Lesson: Managing Emotions
Explanation: The characters experience a range of emotions, and the book depicts healthy ways of expressing and managing them.
Real-World Application: Helps children understand their emotions and provides strategies for managing feelings such as anger, sadness, and excitement in constructive ways.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: Hobby and Claire encounter various problems that they solve using their creativity and critical thinking.
Real-World Application: Equips children with the confidence to face and solve problems in their day-to-day activities, enhancing their decision-making skills.