Horrid Henry: 12 Stories of Christmas
#24 of 26 in Horrid Henry Series
What’s inside...
Join Horrid Henry as he navigates through 12 mischievous adventures during the festive season, causing chaos and spreading his own style of holiday cheer. On the first day of Christmas, Horrid Henry presents 12 festive stories in this bumper collection. The stories include swapping Christmas presents, sabotaging school plays, ruining Christmas dinner, and even ambushing Father Christmas. It's an irresistible introduction to reading for pleasure and the perfect gift for Horrid Henry fans everywhere.
Character compass
Horrid Henry
Dad
Mum
Moody Margaret
Perfect Peter
Discussion points
What do you think makes Henry act 'horrid' during Christmas?
How do the other characters react to Henry's behavior, and why do you think they react that way?
If you were in this story, what would you do differently during Christmas?
Can you think of any good qualities Henry might have, even though he's called 'Horrid Henry'?
What lessons can we learn about friendship and family from this book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think about the consequences of their actions by discussing Henry’s behavior and its impact on others.
Ask your child to relate personal experiences with holiday excitement or misbehavior, connecting their real-life situations to the story.
Highlight the importance of empathy by discussing how the characters might feel in various situations in the book.
Lead by example; share your own thoughts and feelings about the book's events to foster a deeper conversation.
Praise your child for thoughtful answers and insights, reinforcing positive engagement and critical thinking.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of sharing
Explanation: In 'Horrid Henry: 12 Stories of Christmas,' Henry learns the value of sharing through various holiday-themed adventures. The stories illustrate how sharing can lead to more enjoyable experiences and strengthen relationships.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by sharing toys, books, or snacks with their peers, fostering a sense of community and cooperation.
Example Lesson: Understanding consequences
Explanation: Throughout the book, Henry faces the consequences of his mischievous actions, teaching readers that choices have repercussions. This is particularly highlighted in stories where Henry's plans backfire, resulting in lessons learned the hard way.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children grasp the concept of cause and effect in their actions, encouraging them to think before acting and consider the potential outcomes of their choices.
Example Lesson: Empathy and kindness
Explanation: As Henry interacts with different characters during Christmas, he occasionally glimpses the world from their perspectives, fostering a sense of empathy. These moments are key to understanding others' feelings and motivations.
Real-World Application: Children can practice empathy and kindness in everyday situations, such as being considerate of classmates' feelings or helping a friend in need, thereby building stronger, more understanding relationships.
Example Lesson: The joy of giving
Explanation: Henry discovers that giving gifts can be as rewarding as receiving them, especially when he sees the happiness his gifts bring to others. This theme is recurrent in stories where Henry experiments with giving rather than focusing solely on what he will receive.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the value of generosity. They can practice this by participating in gift exchanges or donating to those less fortunate during the holiday season and beyond.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: In some stories, Henry is tasked with responsibilities typical of the holiday season, such as decorating or preparing for a Christmas event. Through these tasks, he learns the importance of being responsible and the satisfaction of accomplishing tasks.
Real-World Application: Children learn to take responsibility in their own lives, whether it's completing homework, performing household chores, or taking care of a pet, thus developing a sense of autonomy and reliability.