I've Only Got Three Hands
#4 of 9 in Halloween Books for Little Monsters Series
on Goodreads (529)
What’s inside...
I've Only Got Three Hands tells the story of a chaotic situation in a place called monster land where a young boy's bedroom is out of control. Despite the mess, a carefree monster remains unbothered as bedtime approaches.
Discussion points
What do you think it would be like to have three hands? How would it help you throughout your day?
Can you think of a time when you wished you had more hands to help with something?
How do you think the main character feels about having three hands? Do you think it makes things easier or harder for them?
What are some creative ways we could use extra hands if we had them just for a day?
What is the most important lesson the main character learns in the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine the possibilities and challenges of having three hands, enhancing their empathetic skills and creativity.
Discuss real-life situations where having extra help or hands would have been beneficial, making the story relevant to their experiences.
Ask your child to express feelings if they were in the main character's shoes, which boosts emotional understanding and vocabulary.
Invite your child to think of solutions or drawings of gadgets that might give them a 'third hand' in daily tasks to engage problem-solving skills.
After reading, highlight the moral of the story and discuss how the child can apply the learned lessons in their own life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of Time Management
Explanation: Through the story's playful narrative, where the protagonist juggles multiple tasks, children perceive the value of managing time effectively.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by organizing their day, such as setting specific times for homework, play, and chores, thereby fostering a sense of responsibility and punctuality.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Problem Solving
Explanation: The character in the book creatively handles bizarre situations, teaching children to think outside the box when faced with challenges.
Real-World Application: Kids can use this approach in their daily lives by coming up with innovative solutions during playtime, school projects, or even in resolving conflicts with peers.
Example Lesson: Handling Stress with Humor
Explanation: The narrative uses humor to deal with stress, showing children that laughter can be a healthy way to cope with overwhelming situations.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand that finding humor in difficult times can ease stress and make challenges more manageable, improving emotional resilience.
Example Lesson: The Value of Help
Explanation: As the protagonist tackles impossible tasks alone, the story highlights the importance of asking for help when needed.
Real-World Application: Children learn to seek assistance when tasks become unmanageable, supporting collaborative play and learning, and teaching them not to be afraid of admitting they need help.