John Joe and the Big Hen
What’s inside...
Mummy is busy working and it's Sammy's day to look after young John Joe; but Sammy gets bored and goes off to play with his friend Willie Brennan. So his older sister Mary sets off for the Brennans's farm, dragging John Joe along with her. Mary leaves John Joe on his own in the farmyard while she runs off to get Sammy. Then the Brennans's big hen comes up to look at John Joe, and to the little boy, the hen seems awfully big indeed! It might eat him, he thinks. He climbs the wall, shouting for Mrs Brennan, Mary and Mammy, but no one comes to rescue him. So he runs away. When Mary returns with Sammy, they search for John Joe all over the farm, but they cannot find him. So they send Splinter, the dog, to sniff him out and, at last, they discover their little brother, asleep in a cornfield.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
2-4
Length
25 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think John Joe felt when he first saw the Big Hen?
How did John Joe help the Big Hen, and what can we learn from his actions?
Why is it important to help others, just like John Joe did?
Can you think of a time when you helped someone? How did it make you feel?
If you were John Joe, what would you have done differently?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation with a personal anecdote about a time you helped someone, making the discussion relatable to your child.
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in John Joe's shoes, fostering empathy and deeper understanding of the story.
Highlight the importance of kindness and helping others, reinforcing these values through the narrative of the book.
Ask your child to draw a picture of their favorite scene, using this as a springboard for discussion about the characters’ emotions and actions.
Praise your child’s responses and insights during the discussion, boosting their confidence and eagerness to engage with stories.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: In the story, John Joe takes on the task of caring for a big hen, which teaches him about the responsibilities involved in caring for another living being.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to take care of their own pets or help with chores around the house, understanding that their actions directly affect others.
Example Lesson: Cooperation
Explanation: John Joe works together with his family members to ensure the well-being of the big hen, demonstrating the importance of teamwork.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children appreciate the value of cooperating with siblings and classmates in shared tasks and projects.
Example Lesson: Problem-Solving
Explanation: Throughout the book, John Joe faces several challenges in looking after the hen and comes up with creative solutions.
Real-World Application: Kids are encouraged to think critically and solve problems they encounter, whether it’s in their studies, play, or interpersonal relationships.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: As John Joe cares for the hen, he learns to understand and share the feelings of another, which is a key aspect of empathy.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this understanding by recognizing emotions in friends and family members, and responding appropriately.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: Despite challenges, John Joe remains committed to caring for the hen, showcasing the importance of perseverance.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to continue striving towards their goals, even when they face obstacles.