Hugless Douglas and the Big Sleep
#4 of 18 in Hugless Douglas Series
on Goodreads (252)
What’s inside...
Douglas is very excited about Rabbit's sleepover, but he collects so many friends along the way that soon it's a big squash in Rabbit's small burrow! Can Douglas think of a way for them all to get some sleep? David Melling is one the leading children's author/illustrators working today and his third book about Douglas the brown bear is as funny and compelling as the first. It combines brilliantly imaginative illustrations with an endearing sense of what it is like to be a small child learning about the world.
Discussion points
How do you think Hugless Douglas felt about his big sleepover? Can you remember a time you felt that way?
What are some ways Douglas tried to make everyone feel comfortable at the sleepover?
Why is it important to make friends feel welcome and safe?
What would you have done differently if you were organizing the sleepover?
How do you think the story would change if no one got along during the sleepover?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to talk about their feelings and experiences related to sleepovers or new situations to draw parallels with Douglas’ experiences.
Discuss the importance of empathy by examining how Douglas considers the needs of his friends during the sleepover.
Ask your child to suggest alternative endings or actions by the characters to enhance creative thinking.
Use the story’s themes to teach problem-solving skills. Prompt your child to think about how they would handle similar challenges as Douglas.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of friendship and sharing
Explanation: In the story, Douglas invites his friends to a sleepover, showcasing how sharing his space brings joy and fun.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to share their own toys or snacks with friends during playdates or school, enhancing their social interactions and friendships.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving and cooperation
Explanation: Throughout the sleepover, the animals encounter various challenges, such as not enough space, but together they find solutions.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply these cooperation skills at school or in team activities, learning to solve problems collaboratively and respect each other's ideas.
Example Lesson: Understanding and managing emotions
Explanation: Douglas feels upset when things don’t initially go as planned, but learns to manage his feelings and find happiness in new ways.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand that it's okay to feel upset sometimes, and they can find constructive ways to deal with their emotions.
Example Lesson: Resilience and adaptability
Explanation: Douglas shows resilience as he adapts his initial plans for the sleepover to accommodate his friends’ needs, ensuring everyone is comfortable.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to be resilient and adaptable in situations like moving to a new school or facing changes in their routine.
Example Lesson: Empathy and caring for others
Explanation: Douglas demonstrates empathy by making sure all his friends are happy and included in the sleepover activities.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of considering others' feelings and perspectives, fostering a caring attitude towards peers and family members.