Little Badman and the Game of Nightmares
Little Badman Series
What’s inside...
Virtual reality takes on a new meaning in the next laugh-out-loud Little Badman adventure, perfect for fans of Tom Gates and Planet Omar. Humza’s life finally feels normal with no aliens, zombies, or crazy spy missions. However, the need to impress a girl, Aisha Mariam Shah, leads him into a science fair with friends Wendy and Umer. Everything changes when their jealous classmate, Alan, traps them in a simulation using his invention. They must navigate video game challenges to escape, making Humza question if teamwork is the key this time. The book has received praise for its humor and authenticity, likened to Tom Gates series and celebrated for its comic relief and genuine moments.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
8-12
Length
352 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think Little Badman learns about bravery and friendship throughout his adventure?
How do the characters in the book help each other overcome their fears?
What would you do if you were in Little Badman's shoes and faced with a similar nightmare?
How does the story show the importance of teamwork?
What part of the book was the most exciting for you, and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before starting the discussion, consider reading the book together or revisiting key chapters to refresh your child’s memory.
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story, ensuring a safe space for open communication.
Relate the themes of the book to real-life situations your child might encounter, enhancing their ability to apply the story’s lessons.
Ask your child to draw a scene from the book that they found memorable, using it as a visual aid to delve deeper into the discussion.
Praise your child’s responses and insights to boost their confidence in expressing their views on literature.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of Teamwork
Explanation: The protagonist, Little Badman, learns to collaborate with friends to overcome challenges posed by nightmares, showcasing how teamwork can achieve greater results than individual efforts.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by participating in group activities at school or in sports, learning to cooperate and value each team member's contribution.
Example Lesson: Courage to Face Fears
Explanation: Throughout the adventure, Little Badman confronts his fears, an important step in overcoming the nightmarish scenarios. This act of bravery is a critical element in the story.
Real-World Application: Kids can embrace this lesson by tackling their own fears, whether it's fear of the dark, speaking in public, or trying new activities, thereby growing their confidence and resilience.
Example Lesson: Creative Problem-Solving
Explanation: The character uses inventive strategies to navigate through the game of nightmares, demonstrating the power of creative thinking in difficult situations.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to think outside the box and use their imagination to solve problems in their daily lives, from homework challenges to disputes with peers.
Example Lesson: Value of Perseverance
Explanation: Little Badman's determination to save the day despite numerous setbacks teaches the importance of persistence and not giving up when faced with adversity.
Real-World Application: Children learn the significance of persisting through their own challenges, be it academic struggles or learning a new skill, fostering a 'never give up' attitude.