Little Boy with a Big Horn No. 12
Golden Books Family Storytime Series
What’s inside...
Ollie loves to practice on his big bass horn, but he only knows one tune, 'Asleep in the Deep,' and he doesn't play it very well. So when everyone in town insists that he do his practicing somewhere else, he takes a boat out to sea. There, his music-making saves a ship on a foggy day.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-7
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Why do you think everyone in the town was upset with Ollie's loud horn?
How did Ollie feel when no one appreciated his music, and what did he do about it?
Can you think of a time when you felt like Ollie and found a surprising solution to your problem?
What would you do if you were Ollie to make everyone understand your love for playing the horn?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think about the emotions Ollie might have felt during the story, helping them connect more deeply with the character.
Discuss personal experiences with your child where they felt misunderstood or needed to find a creative solution, relating those experiences to Ollie's story.
Praise your child's responses and ideas during the discussion to boost their confidence and engagement.
Offer to reread the book if your child shows further interest, fostering an environment for open conversation and inquiry.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance in the face of adversity
Explanation: The protagonist, despite facing rejection from the town due to his loud horn, continues to practice and improve his skill.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of persisting with their passions and efforts, even when facing obstacles or discouragement.
Example Lesson: The importance of individuality
Explanation: The little boy’s unique ability with the horn eventually helps to solve a major problem in the story, showcasing the benefits of embracing one's uniqueness.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to appreciate and cultivate their unique traits and talents, understanding that these differences can be strengths.
Example Lesson: Helping others
Explanation: Through his horn, the boy plays a pivotal role in saving the town, highlighting the theme of using one’s abilities for the greater good.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the importance of community assistance and using their skills to help others in need.
Example Lesson: Creativity solves problems
Explanation: The boy's creative thinking and use of his horn in an unconventional way contributes to the resolution of the story's conflict.
Real-World Application: Fosters a mindset in children that creativity and thinking outside the box can lead to effective solutions in difficult situations.
Example Lesson: Building self-esteem
Explanation: As the boy gains appreciation from the townspeople, he develops confidence in his ability.
Real-World Application: Helps children understand that self-esteem can grow from personal achievements and recognition, emphasizing the importance of self-belief.