Holly & the Dream Fixer (Aussie Bites)
Aussie Bites S. Series
What’s inside...
In 'Holly & the Dream Fixer' by Rosemary Hayes, part of the 'Aussie Bites' series, readers are introduced to Holly, a young girl who is struggling with bad dreams. One night, she encounters the Dream Fixer, a magical being who has the power to help children by fixing their nightmares. With the Dream Fixer's assistance, Holly learns to confront and overcome her fears, leading to more peaceful and happy dreams. The story is a heartwarming tale about facing one's fears, the power of imagination, and the importance of seeking help when dealing with difficult emotions. Holly dreams of life as a princess on a tropical island. Then, POW! Suddenly Xavier appears - a wish-fulfilment agent to make it all come true.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-7
Length
72 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Holly felt when she met the Dream Fixer? Can you relate to her feelings?
What would you do if you were in Holly’s place and encountered the Dream Fixer?
Why is it important to try and understand our dreams, like Holly did?
Can you think of a time when you helped someone like Holly helped the Dream Fixer?
What did you learn from the story about friendship and courage?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story, relating it to their own experiences.
Discuss the concept of dreams and their meanings, asking your child about any memorable dreams they’ve had.
Highlight themes of bravery and assistance in the book, and relate them to real-life scenarios to deepen understanding.
Ask your child how they think the story might continue, or how they would like it to continue, to engage their creative thinking.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of friendship
Explanation: In 'Holly & the Dream Fixer,' the protagonist learns the value of making and keeping friends, which helps her navigate her challenges.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by understanding the importance of supportive relationships and seeking to build strong friendships at school and in extracurricular activities.
Example Lesson: Resilience in facing problems
Explanation: Holly encounters various obstacles but learns to persevere and find solutions, demonstrating resilience.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to not give up when facing difficulties in their own lives, whether it's completing a tough homework assignment or resolving conflicts with peers.
Example Lesson: Creativity and imagination
Explanation: The story shows Holly using her imagination to fix dreams, emphasizing creative thinking.
Real-World Application: Kids can be encouraged to use their imagination in problem-solving and creative projects, enhancing their innovative thinking skills.
Example Lesson: Empathy towards others
Explanation: Throughout her journey, Holly learns to understand and empathize with other characters' feelings and situations.
Real-World Application: This can teach children the importance of empathy in real-life interactions, helping them to connect with others and understand different perspectives.