Mum Is Sick and Zap! Zap! Zap!
illustrations by
What’s inside...
Follow the dual adventures of a young child dealing with their mum's illness at home and their imaginary superhero escapades to combat the germs, teaching them about resilience and the power of imagination.
Age
5-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the character felt when they found out Mum was sick?
What are some ways we can help someone who is not feeling well?
Can you think of a time when you helped someone? How did it make you feel?
Why is it important to be kind and helpful to others?
What would you do if you had the powers like Zap? Zap? Zap! to help others?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading the book, ask your child what they know about helping others and discuss their responses.
While reading, pause at key moments to observe the illustrations with your child and ask what they see.
Encourage your child to express their feelings and thoughts about the story, relating the scenarios to their experiences.
After finishing the book, engage your child in a role-play where they can pretend to have powers to help others.
End the discussion by emphasizing the importance of empathy and kindness, connecting these themes back to their daily life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: The book portrays the challenges of having a sick parent, helping children understand what it means to be empathetic towards others' situations.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by showing kindness and patience when someone in their own family or community is unwell.
Example Lesson: Coping with change
Explanation: As the family dynamics shift due to the mother's illness, the book explores how the characters adapt, teaching children the importance of resilience and flexibility.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children navigate changes in their own lives, such as moving to a new school or welcoming a new family member.
Example Lesson: Importance of family support
Explanation: The family in the book comes together to support each other, emphasizing the value of a strong family bond.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of supporting family members during tough times, fostering a nurturing home environment.
Example Lesson: Courage in adversity
Explanation: The children in the story show bravery when dealing with their mother's illness, demonstrating that courage can help overcome difficult situations.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to face their own fears and challenges bravely, whether it's standing up against bullying or trying out for a new activity.