My Parents Cancelled My Birthday
#2 in I Swapped My Brother on the Internet Series
What’s inside...
Perfect for fans of Pamela Butchart and David Baddiel's Birthday Boy - a hilarious tale of wish fulfillment gone wrong that every child will relate to. Tom can't wait for his LUCKY BIRTHDAY. It's an EPIC family tradition and he's dreamed up an UNFORGETTABLE party! However, after several disasters occur, including a flattened chihuahua and a curse from the tooth fairy, the party is CANCELLED. Undeterred, Tom, with the help of his friends and a pig painted like a zebra, decides to throw himself the party he deserves. What could possibly go wrong?
Discussion points
How would you feel if your birthday was cancelled? What would you do?
What are some ways that Tom dealt with his disappointment in the book? Do you think they were good solutions?
Do you think Tom learned something from his experience? What did he learn?
How did Tom’s friends and family help him? How do you like to be helped when you're feeling sad or disappointed?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage empathy by discussing Tom's feelings and reactions throughout the story, and ask your child how they might feel in a similar situation.
Highlight the importance of resilience and looking for positive solutions in challenging times. Discuss with your child how they can apply these ideas in their own life.
Ask your child to think about a time they helped someone who was disappointed or upset. Talk about the importance of support from friends and family.
Explore the theme of community and teamwork by discussing how different characters contributed to making Tom feel better, and ask your child about their own experiences working with others to solve a problem.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of disappointment
Explanation: The protagonist, Tom, experiences the cancellation of his eagerly awaited birthday party, which teaches him to cope with letdowns.
Real-World Application: Children learn to manage their expectations and maintain positivity despite unforeseen changes or disappointments in daily life.
Example Lesson: Importance of family and community support
Explanation: Throughout the book, Tom receives immense support from his family and friends, which helps him navigate his emotional turmoil.
Real-World Application: This reflects the significance of having a supportive network, encouraging children to cherish and seek support from their loved ones during challenging times.
Example Lesson: Creative problem-solving
Explanation: Tom and his friends come up with innovative ideas to make the best out of the situation after his birthday plans are altered.
Real-World Application: It promotes creativity and initiative in children, encouraging them to think outside the box to solve problems in their own lives.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: Tom eventually understands the reasons behind the cancellation of his birthday and learns to empathize with his family’s circumstances.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to consider and understand the situations of others before reacting, fostering empathy and deeper emotional connections.
Example Lesson: Adaptability to change
Explanation: The storyline highlights how Tom adapts to the changes in his birthday plans with a positive attitude.
Real-World Application: This instills the ability in children to remain flexible and adapt to changes, an essential skill for navigating life’s unpredictable events.