Nicholas Cricket
What’s inside...
All night long, ladybugs strut and toads sashay, snap-turtles swing and grass-hoppers sway to the sound of Nicholas Cricket and the Bug-a-Wug Cricket Band. Nicholas Cricket and the other members of the Bug-a-Wug Cricket Band lead all the forest creatures in a musical celebration of the night.
Age
7-9
Length
28 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Nicholas Cricket
Discussion points
What do you think Nicholas Cricket feels when he performs his music?
Why do you think the other insects enjoy the music so much?
How do you think the story would change if no one came to hear the music?
What is your favorite part of the story, and why?
If you could be any character in the book, who would you choose and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
While reading, pause after exciting moments and ask your child to predict what might happen next, encouraging imaginative thinking.
Use expressive voices for different characters to make the story more engaging and to help differentiate the characters for your child.
Discuss the importance of sharing talents like Nicholas Cricket does and ask your child about talents or interests they feel proud of.
After reading, relate the story to a personal family experience involving music or a performance, creating a deeper personal connection to the story.
Encourage your child to draw their favorite scene from the book or to create an insect band of their own, fostering creative expression.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Collaboration
Explanation: Nicholas Cricket and his band of insect musicians demonstrate teamwork as they come together to create harmonious music.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of cooperating with others, whether in school projects or sports, to achieve common goals.
Example Lesson: Appreciation for Music and Arts
Explanation: The story highlights the joy and fulfillment that comes from engaging in musical and creative activities.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to explore their own interests in music and arts, enhancing their creativity and emotional expression.
Example Lesson: Importance of Practice and Dedication
Explanation: Through the characters' continuous practice for their nightly performances, the book emphasizes the value of dedication in honing one's skills.
Real-World Application: Children can understand the benefits of regular practice, whether it be in academics, arts, or sports, to improve their abilities.
Example Lesson: Celebrating Diversity
Explanation: Nicholas Cricket features a diverse group of insect characters, each contributing uniquely to the band.
Real-World Application: Teaches children to appreciate and celebrate differences amongst peers, promoting inclusivity and understanding in real-world social settings.