Lose the Blanket, Linus! (Peanuts)
#1 of 3 in Peanuts Series
What’s inside...
In 'Lose the Blanket, Linus!' by Tina Gallo, the story revolves around Linus and his beloved security blanket. The Peanuts gang, particularly Lucy, thinks it's time for Linus to give up his blanket. Throughout the book, Linus faces various situations and challenges that test his attachment to his blanket. Despite the pressure, Linus must decide for himself whether he is ready to let go of his comfort object or continue to hold onto it. The narrative explores themes of growing up, independence, and the comfort provided by familiar objects.
Character compass
Linus Van Pelt
Snoopy
Charlie Brown
Lucy Van Pelt
Discussion points
How do you think Linus felt when he thought about losing his blanket?
Can you think of a time when you had to let go of something you loved? How did you handle it?
What are some ways that Linus's friends helped him feel better?
Why do you think it's sometimes hard to let go of things we're used to?
What did Linus learn by the end of the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing a personal story about a time you had to let go of something important, to create a relatable ground for the discussion.
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the story and relate them to their own experiences.
Praise your child’s insights and contributions to the discussion to boost their confidence and engagement.
Use follow-up questions to delve deeper into your child’s thoughts and feelings about the book’s themes.
Discuss the importance of adaptability and growth, helping your child to understand the value of change.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Change
Explanation: Linus learns to navigate life without his security blanket, symbolizing the importance of adapting to new situations.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to adapt to changes such as starting a new school or trying new activities.
Example Lesson: Independence
Explanation: Throughout the story, Linus's journey of being without his blanket teaches him to be more self-reliant.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to take on tasks independently, whether it’s doing homework without help or embarking on solo play.
Example Lesson: Supporting Friends
Explanation: Linus's friends encourage and support him throughout his challenge, illustrating the value of friendship and compassion.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to be supportive friends in real life, offering encouragement and kindness during peers' challenging times.
Example Lesson: Handling Anxiety
Explanation: The book addresses how Linus deals with his anxiety without his blanket, providing strategies to cope with stressful situations.
Real-World Application: This can help children learn to identify their feelings of anxiety and seek out healthy ways to cope, like talking to a trusted adult or engaging in calming activities.