Olly and Me
on Goodreads (35)
What’s inside...
This collection of poems and stories is focused on Katie and her little brother Olly, who were first introduced in 'Nursery Collection'. Throughout the book, Katie and Olly experience various everyday adventures, including visiting the park, the library, and the Natural History Museum. They also engage in family activities such as making pancakes with their dad and creating a birthday card for their mom. Shirley Hughes brings these stories to life with her charming illustrations that capture the special bond between siblings, providing comfort and familiarity to young readers.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What was your favorite part of the adventure Olly and Me had? Why did you like it?
How do you think Olly felt when he was on his journey? Can you think of a time when you felt the same way?
What would you do if you were in Olly’s place during one of their challenges?
How did the characters change from the beginning of the book to the end?
If you could ask Olly one question, what would it be?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in the story, prompting them to think about how they might feel or react in similar situations.
Discuss the emotions of the characters at different points in the story, linking them to real-life scenarios your child might face.
Use the story as a springboard to talk about challenges and how to face them, enhancing problem-solving skills.
Connect themes from the book to family values and everyday life, making the reading experience more personal and relevant.
End each reading session by asking your child to predict what might happen next, building anticipation and engagement for future readings.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of friendship
Explanation: The story showcases the bond between Olly and his friend as they navigate various adventures, emphasizing mutual support and understanding.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to value and nurture friendships, understanding how to be supportive and considerate friends in their own lives.
Example Lesson: Courage in facing fears
Explanation: Throughout the book, characters encounter situations that test their bravery, teaching kids that it's okay to be scared and that facing fears is a part of growing up.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children muster the courage to face their own fears, whether it's trying out for a sports team, speaking in front of a class, or sleeping alone in the dark.
Example Lesson: The joy of sharing
Explanation: Olly learns the value of sharing with others through his interactions, which helps in building strong, positive relationships.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply this lesson by learning to share their toys, time, and experiences with siblings and peers, fostering a sense of generosity and community.
Example Lesson: Learning from mistakes
Explanation: The book illustrates that everyone makes mistakes, but what's important is how one learns from them to not repeat the same in future.
Real-World Application: This reinforces the concept of personal growth and resilience for children, encouraging them to view mistakes as opportunities to learn rather than setbacks.
Example Lesson: Respecting differences
Explanation: Olly and his friend come from different backgrounds, and the story highlights how they embrace their differences, enriching their friendship.
Real-World Application: This can teach children to appreciate and respect diversity among their friends and in broader society, promoting inclusivity and empathy.