Hooligan Wreckit, Goldfisherman (Kiwi Bites S.)
What’s inside...
Julian Eckett's belt hook of his cargo pants lassoed the arrowhead of the ancient iron railings as he launched himself over them. He tried to look cool, like someone leaning on a fence, as the policeman's torch shone brightly in his eyes. 'I can explain, but it's a secret.' 'Try me,' said the burly policeman. The Kiwi Bites series are pitched at young readers (7-12) with the aim of building reading skills and confidence. They have strong plot-based stories, with themes of humour, confidence, sport, adventure, caring, journeys and problem-solving.
Why read this book
- Engaging tale exploring adventures of a young, ambitious fisherman.
- Encourages resilience and innovative thinking in challenging situations.
- Supports development of emotional intelligence and empathy.
- Ideal for family reading, building bonds and communication.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-12
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think made Hooligan Wreckit want to become a goldfisherman?
How do you think the goldfish felt during the story and why?
What would you have done differently if you were in Hooligan's shoes?
Why is it important to respect nature and the creatures in it?
How do you think the story would change if it took place near a lake instead of a sea?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think about the motivations behind the characters' actions and the consequences of those actions. Ask them how they would feel in similar situations, and what choices they would make. Discuss the importance of respecting wildlife and natural environments, drawing parallels to real-life examples if possible. Use expressive reading to make the story more engaging and help your child connect emotionally with the characters. Ensure a supportive and open atmosphere where your child feels comfortable expressing their thoughts and opinions.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: The protagonist, Hooligan, learns to take care of his pet goldfish through daily feeding and tank cleaning routines.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of routine and maintaining their commitments, such as caring for a pet or fulfilling household chores.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: Hooligan faces challenges in maintaining his goldfish’s tank, but his continuous efforts lead to success.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to remain persistent in overcoming obstacles in school projects or learning new skills.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: Hooligan learns to understand and appreciate the needs and feelings of his goldfish, adapting the environment to make it comfortable.
Real-World Application: Teaches children to consider the feelings of others and act kindly, improving their interactions and relationships.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: As issues arise with the goldfish’s habitat, Hooligan utilizes critical thinking to find solutions, such as adjusting the water temperature or rearranging tank decorations.
Real-World Application: Helps children develop critical thinking skills to solve problems at school or in interpersonal relationships.
Example Lesson: Environmental awareness
Explanation: Hooligan’s journey educates him on the impact of environments on living organisms and the importance of keeping them clean and suitable.
Real-World Application: Instills the value of environmental conservation and teaches children to be conscious of their surroundings and the importance of sustainability.