Little Vampire and the School Trip
#14 of 8 in Der kleine Vampir Series
What’s inside...
In 'Little Vampire and the School Trip,' Angela Sommer-Bodenburg tells the story of a young boy named Anton who befriends a vampire child named Rüdiger. The two have shared many adventures, and in this installment, they face the challenges of a school trip. Anton's class is going on an excursion, and he manages to convince Rüdiger to join them, despite the obvious difficulties a vampire might have in such a situation. Throughout the trip, they must navigate the complexities of keeping Rüdiger's identity a secret while dealing with the typical antics and issues that arise during a school outing. The book combines elements of friendship, humor, and the supernatural as Anton and Rüdiger work together to overcome obstacles and ensure the trip is enjoyable for everyone, including a vampire.
Discussion points
How did Little Vampire feel about the school trip and why do you think he felt that way?
What would you do if you were in Little Vampire's shoes during the trip?
How did the relationship between Little Vampire and his classmates change throughout the story?
What are some ways Little Vampire shows he cares for his friends?
If you could ask Little Vampire one question about his adventures, what would it be?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before starting the conversation, read the book together with your child to make the discussion more relevant and interactive.
Show curiosity by asking your child to predict what might happen in various scenarios within the story before reading that part.
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the characters' decisions and actions, relating them to their own experiences when possible.
Discuss the importance of friendship and understanding differences, using examples from the book to illustrate these themes.
Use the questions to not only reflect on the book but to also connect the discussion to your child's personal school experiences and friendships.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Differences
Explanation: The story depicts the Little Vampire, who is different from his peers but finds common ground and friendship on a school trip.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate and accept the uniqueness of others, fostering inclusivity and respect in diverse groups.
Example Lesson: Importance of Friendship
Explanation: Throughout the adventure, the Little Vampire and his friends work together, showcasing the strength and support friendships offer.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to cultivate and value friendships, understanding that cooperation and teamwork can overcome challenges.
Example Lesson: Courage to Try New Things
Explanation: The Little Vampire embarks on a school trip which is out of his comfort zone, demonstrating bravery in new experiences.
Real-World Application: It inspires children to be open to new experiences and activities, teaching them that stepping out of their comfort zones can lead to personal growth and fun discoveries.
Example Lesson: Problem-Solving Skills
Explanation: In the story, the characters face several challenges that they need to solve in order to enjoy their trip and stay safe.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of critical thinking and problem-solving, skills that are essential in school and in daily life.