Popcorn Bob
#1 in Bob Popcorn Series
What’s inside...
Ellis loves popcorn. Who doesn't?But one day her school goes on a healthy eating campaign and her dads decide to follow suit, banning all snack foods from their house, INCLUDING POPCORN. Unfair. Ellis has got to get around that edict, so one night she pops a bag of popcorn out back in the garage...and she's met with more than just her favorite salty snack. One kernel refuses to pop, and soon it's sprouted a face, arms, and legs! He introduces himself as Popcorn Bob, and he is NOT in a good mood. (Ever, really.) He's absolutely ravenous, and no amount of food keeps him from being hangry. Bob causes no end of chaos for Ellis, and she decides to rid herself of him once and for all, except...she actually starts to like him.A chapter book for all ages, Popcorn Bob is a laugh-out-loud story about the power of friendship, and a perfect bowl of popcorn.
Character compass
Ellis
Popcorn Bob
Ellis'S Father
Discussion points
What did you think about the adventures Bob the popcorn and Ellis went on? Which adventure was your favorite and why?
How do you think Ellis felt when she first met Bob? Can you share a time when you met someone new and how you felt?
Bob is quite a unique character being a piece of popcorn! If you could be any food, what would you be and what adventures would you go on?
Why do you think teamwork was important in Bob and Ellis's adventures?
What would you have done differently if you were in Ellis’s shoes during any of their escapades?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to describe their favorite parts of the book. Use follow-up questions to dive deeper into what specifically they liked and how it made them feel.
Relate the story’s themes to your child’s personal experiences. This can help them connect more deeply with the characters and the narrative.
Ask your child to imagine alternative scenarios or endings for the stories in the book. This encourages creative thinking and problem-solving skills.
Create a relaxed and distraction-free environment to discuss the book. This helps children to focus and feel comfortable expressing their thoughts and feelings.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of friendship
Explanation: In 'Popcorn Bob', the protagonists form an unlikely friendship that teaches them about trust and cooperation.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to build strong, trustworthy relationships with peers, embracing differences and working together towards common goals.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: The characters in the book face various challenges and by working together, they find creative solutions.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to think creatively and collaboratively in solving problems they encounter at school or in social settings.
Example Lesson: Adaptability
Explanation: The story showcases characters adapting to unexpected situations, which reflects the necessity of being flexible.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to adapt to changes in their environments such as moving to a new place, changing schools, or adjusting to any new routines.
Example Lesson: The joy of sharing
Explanation: The book highlights the happiness derived from sharing what one has with others, especially illustrated through the sharing of popcorn in the story.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by learning to share their possessions, time, and effort with their friends and family, fostering a generous and caring spirit.