Marv and the Humongous Hamster
What’s inside...
When ordinary boy Marvin wears his super-suit, he becomes MARV, a superhero with infinite powers. In this story, Marvin is tasked with looking after Nibbles, the classroom hamster, to prove to his grandad that he is responsible enough to have a pet. However, disaster strikes when Dr Bo...
Age
5-6
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Marv
Discussion points
How would you feel if a giant hamster appeared in your town, and what would you do first?
What do you think Marv learned about friendship and courage in the story?
If you had a giant pet, how would you take care of it?
Why do you think the hamster grew so big, and what challenges did that cause for Marv?
How did Marv’s feelings change throughout the story, and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in the story, asking how they would react to the giant hamster’s antics.
Discuss the themes of bravery and friendship in the story. Ask your child to share a personal experience related to these themes.
Use the book as a fun starting point to explore responsibility by discussing the care needed if one had a giant pet.
Prompt your child to think about the cause-and-effect relationship by discussing why the hamster grew and the resulting challenges.
Highlight Marv’s emotional journey, asking your child to relate with their own experiences of changing feelings in different situations.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: In the story, Marv is tasked with caring for a hamster which unexpectedly grows to a gigantic size. This development tests Marv's ability to manage unexpected responsibilities.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of being responsible in their daily tasks, such as taking care of a pet or keeping their room tidy, regardless of unforeseen challenges.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: Marv faces the challenge of figuring out how to handle a suddenly enormous pet. Throughout the book, he comes up with various strategies to keep the hamster safe and happy.
Real-World Application: This teaches children that when faced with a problem, they can think creatively and try different solutions until they find one that works.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: Marv realizes that despite its size, the hamster has needs and feelings, leading him to empathize with his pet's situation.
Real-World Application: Children learn to understand and share the feelings of others, whether it’s family members, friends, or pets, fostering a nurturing attitude towards those around them.
Example Lesson: Friendship
Explanation: As Marv confronts various challenges with his hamster, he learns the value of companionship and trust in friendships, regardless of the circumstances.
Real-World Application: This highlights the importance of supporting and trusting friends in real life, helping children to build strong, healthy relationships.