Mister Boo!
on Goodreads (25)
What’s inside...
A lively tale about a fun-loving cat learning to accept change, imaginatively illustrated by the award-winning Petr Horácek. Mischievous Mister Boo loves to give everyone he meets a surprise. He shocks the baby birds, the baby rabbits, and the baby owls. BOO! But one day he wakes up without his usual energy and no one seems to take any notice of him. Will Mister Boo learn to accept change and find joy again? A buoyant second collaboration between acclaimed writer Joyce Dunbar and world-renowned illustrator Petr Horácek.
Age
3-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Mister Boo felt when he couldn't find his way home?
What would you have done if you were in Mister Boo's shoes?
Why is it important to help others who are lost or scared?
What did you learn about friendship from this story?
Can you think of a time when you helped someone, like the characters helped Mister Boo?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate the story to their own experiences, which can deepen their understanding and empathy.
Ask your child to predict what might happen next at different points in the story, fostering their imagination and anticipation skills.
Discuss the characters’ actions and decisions and ask your child what they would do differently, promoting critical thinking.
Highlight the morals and lessons of the story, and ask your child how they can apply these lessons in their daily life.
Utilize expressive reading and voice modulation to make the story more engaging and entertaining, capturing your child's interest more effectively.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: In 'Mister Boo!', the protagonist encounters various characters who are different from him. Through these interactions, the story teaches children the importance of understanding and empathizing with others' feelings and perspectives.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson in their daily interactions with peers and adults by considering others' feelings and viewpoints, helping to foster a more inclusive and supportive environment.
Example Lesson: Courage in facing fears
Explanation: Mister Boo faces several challenges throughout the book, demonstrating the value of courage when confronted with fear. This helps children understand that it’s okay to be scared and that bravery can lead to overcoming difficult situations.
Real-World Application: Kids can remember Mister Boo's bravery when they feel scared or nervous, using it as motivation to face their own fears, whether it’s trying out for a sports team, performing in a school play, or making new friends.
Example Lesson: The power of curiosity
Explanation: The character of Mister Boo is depicted as naturally curious about the world around him, which leads to exciting discoveries and learning opportunities.
Real-World Application: Encouraging children to ask questions and explore their surroundings can significantly enhance their learning and cognitive development. Curiosity drives critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Example Lesson: Importance of friendship
Explanation: Throughout his journey, Mister Boo learns the value of making friends and how companionship can lead to a richer life experience.
Real-World Application: This lesson highlights the importance of social interactions for children, encouraging them to build and maintain friendships, which are vital for emotional and social development.
Example Lesson: Resilience and Adaptability
Explanation: Mister Boo often encounters unforeseen situations and learns to adapt, showing resilience in the face of change.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of being adaptable when faced with new challenges or transitions, such as moving to a new school or adjusting to changes at home.