Horrible Harry and the Christmas Surprise
#5 of 37 in Horrible Harry Series
on Goodreads (589)
What’s inside...
It's Christmastime, but with Miss Mackle in the hospital, no one feels much like celebrating. Maybe Harry can think of a way to cheer up Miss Mackle and put the holiday spirit back in Room 2B.
Discussion points
Why do you think Harry planned the Christmas surprise? How do you think he felt about it?
What would you do if you were in Harry's position? Would you plan a surprise for your friend?
How did the characters show their feelings about the Christmas surprise? Can you think of a time when you were surprised?
What do you think is the importance of giving during the holiday season as shown in the book?
How can we relate the actions of Harry and his friends to real life? What lessons can we learn from them?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use empathy and personal experiences: Encourage your child to relate to the characters by sharing your own similar experiences or feelings.
Focus on emotions: Discuss the different emotions each character might be feeling in various parts of the book, this helps in recognizing and understanding emotional cues.
Role-playing: Act out a favorite scene together to make the discussion interactive and engaging.
Highlight the lessons: Point out the moral lessons in the story such as friendship, compassion, and the spirit of giving, and ask how these can be applied in your child’s daily life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Kindness
Explanation: Horrible Harry shows compassion by giving thoughtful gifts, illustrating how understanding others' feelings and needs is important.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to consider the feelings of friends and classmates, fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment.
Example Lesson: Importance of Friendship
Explanation: The story highlights the strong bonds between Harry and his classmates, emphasizing the value of friendships.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to build and maintain positive relationships, helping them develop social skills and emotional intelligence.
Example Lesson: Problem-Solving
Explanation: Harry and his friends tackle the challenge of finding perfect Christmas gifts, showcasing effective problem-solving strategies.
Real-World Application: Kids are inspired to think creatively and collaboratively when faced with challenges, applying these skills in academic and personal situations.
Example Lesson: Understanding Different Perspectives
Explanation: The book navigates different characters' viewpoints on what makes a perfect gift, teaching children that people see things differently.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children appreciate diverse perspectives and learn to engage in discussions with others respectfully.
Example Lesson: The Joy of Giving
Explanation: The excitement of gift-giving and the satisfaction of seeing others happy is a central theme.
Real-World Application: Motivates children to partake in acts of giving, reinforcing the intrinsic rewards of generosity and selflessness.