Leah in Trouble (Hippo Cafe Club)
#8 in Hippo Cafe Club Series
on Goodreads (55)
What’s inside...
Leah is sick and tired of having no money. And there's no way Jan will let her busk in the café. But then Jan falls ill, and Hilda Salmon steps in to run things. There's no way Jan will let Leah busk in the cafe to earn some money, but then Jan falls ill, and Hilda steps in to run things. Hilda thinks busking is a great idea, and she's even got some dodgy money-making schemes of her own. Jan's not going to like any of it, and Leah's in way too deep now.
Discussion points
What do you think Leah felt when she found herself in trouble? How would you feel in her situation?
Why is it important to follow rules at a place like the Hippo Cafe Club?
What are some ways Leah could have avoided trouble?
How do you think the story would have changed if Leah had made different choices?
What did Leah learn by the end of the book? Have you learned similar lessons in your own experiences?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate their own experiences to Leah's, fostering empathy and personal reflection. Ask them to think about times they’ve faced similar situations and what they learned from them. Discuss the importance of understanding and following rules, and how different choices can lead to different outcomes. Validate their feelings and thoughts to make them feel comfortable sharing.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding consequences of actions
Explanation: In 'Leah in Trouble,' Leah faces the repercussions of not being honest about a mistake she made. This causes trouble for her and her friends.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of taking responsibility for their actions and understanding that their choices have consequences that can affect themselves and others.
Example Lesson: The value of honesty
Explanation: Leah learns that hiding the truth only compounds her problems and strains her friendships. Once she is honest, she begins to resolve the issues.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children see the importance of being truthful in building trust and maintaining healthy relationships with family and friends.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: As the story unfolds, Leah's friends show understanding once she explains her actions. This teaches Leah the value of empathy.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to be empathetic towards others' mistakes and understand that everyone can learn and grow from their errors.
Example Lesson: Resolving conflicts
Explanation: The book shows Leah and her friends working through the conflict that arose from Leah's initial dishonesty, demonstrating effective ways to solve problems.
Real-World Application: This emphasizes the importance of communication and teamwork in resolving disputes, a crucial skill for children as they navigate social situations.