McGillycuddy Could!
What’s inside...
Although McGillicuddy the kangaroo cannot produce wool or milk or lay eggs, the other animals learn that kangaroos can bring special skills to the farm. Introducing a new kangaroo character–McGillycuddy! A young read–aloud from popular picture book author Pamela Duncan Edwards.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
2-4
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think McGillycuddy could do next after the story ended?
How do you feel when you try something new, like McGillycuddy?
What did McGillycuddy learn from his adventures in the book?
Why is it important to keep trying, even when things are hard?
How can you help your friends when they feel they can't do something?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate their own experiences to McGillycuddy's adventures. Ask them about times when they faced difficulties and how they overcame them. This can help deepen their understanding of the book's themes of perseverance and self-belief. Additionally, use expressive reading techniques to make the story more engaging and encourage your child to imagine themselves in McGillycuddy’s shoes.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance in facing challenges
Explanation: In "McGillycuddy Could!", the protagonist, McGillycuddy, faces various obstacles but doesn’t give up, showing determination and resilience.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of perseverance when they encounter difficulties in school or during play, understanding that persistence often leads to success.
Example Lesson: Importance of creativity
Explanation: McGillycuddy uses imaginative solutions to navigate his challenges, highlighting the power of creative thinking.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to think outside the box in their own problem-solving, whether in academic projects or in social scenarios.
Example Lesson: Self-belief and confidence
Explanation: Throughout the story, McGillycuddy maintains belief in his capabilities despite setbacks, which ultimately leads to his success.
Real-World Application: Children are reminded to believe in themselves in various aspects of life, such as trying new activities or developing new skills, which builds their confidence and self-esteem.
Example Lesson: The value of teamwork
Explanation: McGillycuddy learns that sometimes collaboration with others can make overcoming obstacles easier, emphasizing teamwork.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the significance of cooperating with peers or family members to achieve common goals, whether in class projects, sports, or home chores.