Keep Your Head Up
on Goodreads (225)
What’s inside...
Teach little ones that it’s okay to have a bad day in this brightly illustrated, gently affirmative picture book about keeping our heads up and letting things pass. When a child wakes up late one day, it’s only the first in a series of things to go terribly awry. But the people around them show them that what’s important is being kind to yourself and getting through rough days. Because, after all, tomorrow is a fresh start.
Age
4-8
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What does the title 'Keep Your Head Up' mean to you?
How did the main character handle feeling down? What can we learn from that?
Can you think of a time when you felt similar to the character? What did you do to feel better?
Why is it important to keep trying even when things are tough?
What are some ways you can cheer up a friend who is feeling sad?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their own feelings and relate them to the situations in the book.
Discuss the importance of resilience and optimism, drawing parallels to the character's experiences.
Use examples from the book to talk about empathy and how we can support others who are going through difficult times.
Embrace a calm and patient tone, allowing your child to consider their responses thoughtfully.
Highlight the positive outcomes from the story to inspire similar behavior and attitudes in daily life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: The story portrays the character facing challenges but continuously trying to overcome them with a positive mindset.
Real-World Application: Children learn to persist through difficulties and not be easily discouraged by setbacks in school or play.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: Characters in the book show understanding and kindness to others, demonstrating the importance of considering other people's feelings.
Real-World Application: Kids can practice empathy by being considerate and supportive towards their friends and family members.
Example Lesson: Optimism
Explanation: The protagonist maintains a hopeful and positive outlook despite obstacles, illustrating the power of a positive attitude.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to look at the bright side of situations and remain hopeful during tough times.