Not Now, Bernard
What’s inside...
Bernard’s got a problem. He's found a monster in the back garden but his mum and dad are just too busy to notice. So Bernard tries to befriend the monster … and that doesn't go quite to plan. Celebrate Not Now, Bernard’s 40th anniversary with this wonderful collection of 26 of the most popular titles from the award-winning and bestselling David McKee, including: Two Can Toucan, Two Monsters, Charlotte’s Piggy Bank and many more!
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Bernard felt when his parents didn't listen to him?
What would you do if you were in Bernard's situation?
Why do you think the monster decided to take Bernard's place?
How do Bernard's parents react at the end of the story, and what does that teach us?
Can you think of a time when you felt like no one was listening to you? How did you handle it?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before starting the book, ask your child to predict what might happen based on the cover and title.
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the book’s events, relating them to their own experiences.
Discuss the characters' reactions and decisions, and ask your child what they might have done differently.
Use expressive voices for different characters to make the reading more engaging and help distinguish the perspectives.
After reading, explore the themes of the book further by drawing or acting out alternative endings with your child.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Communication is key
Explanation: In 'Not Now, Bernard', Bernard’s attempts to communicate with his busy parents go unnoticed, showcasing the importance of listening and engaging in discussions.
Real-World Application: Children can understand the importance of expressing their needs and feelings clearly, and also learn to listen when others are communicating with them.
Example Lesson: Acknowledging others’ presence and needs
Explanation: The story highlights how Bernard’s parents overlook his attempts to share his concerns, teaching the significance of acknowledging others around us.
Real-World Application: This can help children be more aware of their interactions with friends and family members, ensuring they are considerate of others' feelings and presence.
Example Lesson: Understanding consequences
Explanation: As Bernard is ignored, he faces a scary monster alone. This part of the story can teach children that ignoring problems or people can lead to preventable negative outcomes.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to address issues directly and understand the importance of facing challenges head-on rather than avoiding them.
Example Lesson: Balance in life
Explanation: The parents’ preoccupation with other tasks while ignoring Bernard demonstrates the need for a balanced approach to life’s responsibilities.
Real-World Application: This lesson can encourage children to balance their schoolwork, playtime, and family time effectively.