Little Badman and the Invasion of the Killer Aunties
Little Badman Series
What’s inside...
Humza Khan, an eleven-year-old aspiring rapper from Eggington, finds himself in a strange situation when his teachers start disappearing and are replaced by his aunties. Initially charmed by the endless snacks, Humza grows suspicious when the aunties interfere with his music. Together with his friends Umer and Wendy, Humza embarks on a hilarious and fast-paced quest to uncover the truth behind the bizarre occurrences at school. Praised as one of The Guardian's best holiday reads for 2019, this comic caper by comedian Humza Arshad and screenwriter Henry White is perfect for fans of David Solomons and David Baddiel, and features a blend of humor, tenderness, and adventure.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
9-12
Length
352 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Humza Khan
Umer
Naanu
Auntie Uzma
Discussion points
What do you think makes Little Badman a hero in the story? How can we apply his bravery to our everyday challenges?
How did the humor in the book make you feel while reading it? What was the funniest part?
If you were in Little Badman's place, how would you have handled the situation with the aunties?
What lessons did you learn about friendship from Little Badman's experiences?
Can you think of a time when you had to work with others to solve a problem like Little Badman?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing your own favorite parts of the story to spark enthusiasm and open a natural conversation.
Ask your child to describe their favorite character, then delve deeper by asking why they like that character and how they relate to them.
Create connections between the book's themes and your child’s experiences, such as dealing with unexpected problems or understanding different perspectives.
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the story’s outcome and ask how they might have wished it ended differently.
Utilize the humor in the book as a light-hearted way to discuss serious topics covered in the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of teamwork
Explanation: The protagonist, along with his friends, collaborates to tackle the challenges posed by the 'Killer Aunties'. Their success highlights the effectiveness of working together.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by engaging in collaborative activities at school or in sports, learning that teamwork often leads to better solutions and outcomes.
Example Lesson: Embracing diversity
Explanation: The book features a diverse cast of characters, each bringing their unique perspectives and skills to solve problems, teaching the reader the value of different viewpoints and cultural backgrounds.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and respect individuals from diverse backgrounds in their own communities and schools, promoting inclusivity.
Example Lesson: Courage and facing fears
Explanation: Little Badman confronts the unusual and frightening situation of the 'Killer Aunties' taking over his school, showing bravery in the face of fear.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to face their own fears, whether it's trying out for a new sport, standing up for themselves, or dealing with a challenging situation at school.
Example Lesson: Importance of creativity and thinking outside the box
Explanation: The solutions to the challenges presented in the story often require creative thinking and unconventional approaches, highlighting the benefits of thinking differently.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to think creatively in their problem solving, whether in academic projects or in daily challenges.