King Baby
on Goodreads (2,950)
What’s inside...
King Baby is a charming ruler who generously shares his smiles and allows his subjects to hug and photograph him. However, he has numerous demands that must be met, and when they are not, he takes matters into his own hands.
Age
1-4
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
King Baby
Mother
Father
Discussion points
What do you think King Baby wants when he speaks to his subjects?
How do the parents and others respond to King Baby's demands?
Can you think of a time when you felt like you had everyone's attention like King Baby?
What are some ways King Baby tries to get what he wants? How could he ask differently?
How does King Baby change by the end of the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use a playful tone when discussing King Baby's commands to keep the mood light and encourage your child to open up about their thoughts.
Relate the scenarios in the book to your child’s experiences, asking if they’ve ever felt similar emotions or situations.
Encourage your child to think about the feelings of both King Baby and his 'subjects' (the parents) to foster empathy.
After reading, ask your child to draw a picture of their favorite scene, which can spur discussion about the story’s themes.
Discuss the importance of communication and expressing needs in ways that respect others, drawing examples from King Baby’s actions.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding Family Dynamics
Explanation: King Baby depicts the changing dynamics in a family when a new baby arrives. The story showcases the baby’s demands and how the family members respond to him, portraying a realistic yet humorous scenario.
Real-World Application: Children can relate this story to their own family situations, recognizing how each family member plays a role and adapts to changes like the arrival of a new sibling, fostering empathy and understanding.
Example Lesson: Development and Growth
Explanation: As King Baby grows throughout the book, he evolves from demanding to becoming more self-sufficient, representing the stages of growth in early childhood.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand their own growth journey, appreciate their increasing abilities, and look forward to new milestones like walking and talking.
Example Lesson: Expressing Needs and Desires
Explanation: King Baby's character clearly expresses his needs and desires to his family members. The exaggerated portrayal serves as a humorous example of how babies communicate before they can speak.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of expressing themselves and communicating their needs effectively. It teaches them to articulate their thoughts and feelings clearly to others.
Example Lesson: Impact of Behavior on Others
Explanation: The book humorously illustrates the impact King Baby’s demands have on his family, showing how the family adjusts their lives around him.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand that their actions affect others. It encourages thoughtful behavior and consideration for the feelings of family members and friends.
Example Lesson: Recognition of Different Perspectives
Explanation: The story is presented through the eyes of King Baby, offering a unique perspective of the world. This demonstrates how different family members, notably the baby, perceive situations differently.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to consider and respect different viewpoints, fostering an environment of tolerance and understanding within their immediate social circles and beyond.