Peek!: A Thai Hide-and-Seek
What’s inside...
Papa calls on all the creatures of the jungle to help find his baby in this tender, noisy, and gloriously illustrated game of hide-and-seek. As the rooster, puppy, monkey, and other animals join in the search, they each ask if Baby is hiding near them. The quest continues with various animals like the hornbill, snake, elephant, and tiger joining in until one of them finally leads Papa to Baby's hiding place.
Age
3-7
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Papa
Baby
Discussion points
Why do you think the father asks the animals if they have seen Jai?
How do the different animals react to being asked about Jai’s whereabouts?
What do you think the game of hide-and-seek means to Jai and his father?
How would you feel if you were playing hide-and-seek like Jai?
What have you learned about Thai culture from this story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts about the characters’ emotions, helping them connect with the story on a deeper level.
Discuss the hide-and-seek game and relate it to any similar experiences your child might have, fostering a personal connection to the story.
Highlight the cultural aspects presented in the book, like the animals and the environment, to broaden your child’s understanding of the world.
Ask your child to guess where Jai might be hiding next, to keep them engaged and make reading more interactive.
Inquire what your child would do differently if they were in Jai’s place, encouraging critical thinking and imagination.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Cultural Appreciation
Explanation: The book takes readers on an adventure through the Thai countryside as the characters engage in a traditional game of hide-and-seek, introducing children to aspects of Thai culture through vibrant illustrations and playful narrative.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to embrace and appreciate diverse cultures, fostering openness and curiosity about the world around them.
Example Lesson: The Importance of Family Bonds
Explanation: The interaction between the child and her father during the game emphasizes the importance of spending quality time with family and the special bond shared between family members.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to engage in fun activities with their families, understanding that such interactions strengthen family relationships.
Example Lesson: Playing Fairly
Explanation: As the game of hide-and-seek is played, the rules and the spirit of fair play are adhered to by the characters, teaching the reader about honesty and sportsmanship during games.
Real-World Application: Children learn to apply the principles of fair play and honesty in their own playtimes and interactions at school or in the playground, promoting a healthy competitive spirit.
Example Lesson: Observation Skills
Explanation: The game of hide-and-seek challenges the child to find where the father is hiding, which enhances the child’s observation and attention to detail.
Real-World Application: This can help children in developing sharper observational skills and greater attention to detail in their everyday life, aiding in their academic and social interactions.