Hugh Shampoo
What’s inside...
Hugh Shampoo is a boy who despises hair care, despite his parents being hairdressers. His aversion to hair washing and grooming causes amusement and shock, but things take a turn when his parents enter a hairdressing contest, pushing Hugh's unruly hair into the spotlight. This humorous and energetic story highlights the common struggle between parents and children over hair-washing, leaving readers both entertained and empathetic.
Age
4-8
Length
28 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Hugh Shampoo
Sheila Shampoo
Holio Shampoo
Discussion points
Why do you think Hugh Shampoo dislikes haircuts and baths?
What are the creative ways Hugh uses his hair in the story? Can you think of any other silly hairstyles?
How do you feel when you try something new, like Hugh trying out the shampoo?
How did Hugh's feelings change from the beginning of the book to the end? What made him change?
If you were friends with Hugh, what advice would you give him about trying new things?
Tip: Role play these questions
Set a warm and open tone for the discussion to make your child feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and feelings.
Relate the book’s themes to your child’s experiences, like their routine of washing hair or trying new activities, to make the conversation more relatable.
Encourage your child to imagine and describe their own whimsical hairstyles or bathing scenarios, fostering creativity and making the discussion more engaging.
Praise your child's responses and ideas to boost their confidence and promote a positive discussion environment.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embrace uniqueness
Explanation: Hugh Shampoo dislikes haircuts and grooming, unlike his salon-owner parents. Through humorous narrative and vibrant illustrations, the book celebrates Hugh’s individuality.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate what makes them different and feel confident in expressing their unique traits.
Example Lesson: Importance of self-care
Explanation: Eventually, Hugh finds his own way to enjoy grooming by turning it into a fun, creative activity. This shows the importance of personal care in a way that respects individual preferences.
Real-World Application: Kids can be encouraged to develop their own self-care routines that they enjoy, promoting good hygiene and personal responsibility.
Example Lesson: Creativity solves problems
Explanation: Hugh uses his creativity to transform the daunting tasks of hair washing and cutting into an enjoyable game. This highlights problem-solving through creativity.
Real-World Application: Children can apply creative thinking to overcome challenges or tasks they find unpleasant, making them more manageable and enjoyable.
Example Lesson: Family support is crucial
Explanation: The story illustrates how Hugh’s parents support his unique views about hair care, and help him find his own path.
Real-World Application: This can teach kids the value of family support and encourage them to communicate their personal preferences or issues.