President Squid
What’s inside...
Join Aaron Reynolds and Sara Varon as they delve into the characteristics that define great leaders and diplomats, using the whimsical example of a giant squid. Squid believes he has all it takes to be president - living in a big house, being the center of attention, and sporting a tie. As the election approaches, consider casting your vote for President Squid, a candidate unlike any other. This fixed-format version closely resembles the print edition, offering a familiar reading experience.
Age
5-8
Length
36 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
President Squid
Discussion points
What do you think makes President Squid a good leader? Are there qualities he could improve on?
How did President Squid's actions affect the other sea creatures? Can you think of different ways he could have interacted with them?
What would you do if you were President for a day? What rules would you make?
How important is it to listen to others when making decisions? Can you think of a time when President Squid listened well or could have listened better?
What does it mean to be responsible? How did President Squid show responsibility, or how could he have shown more?
Tip: Role play these questions
Allow your child to express their thoughts freely, validating their feelings and opinions to encourage open communication.
Use follow-up questions to dig deeper into your child's understanding and perspective of the story's events and characters.
Relate the themes of the book to real-life situations your child may encounter, fostering a connection between the story and their own experiences.
Encourage your child to think about leadership and responsibility, discussing how these qualities are important in everyday life.
Focus on the moral lessons of the story, asking your child how they can apply these lessons in their interactions with friends and family.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Leadership and Responsibility
Explanation: President Squid humorously explores the idea of leadership as the main character, Squid, self-declares himself president. The story follows his understanding of what it truly means to be a leader.
Real-World Application: Children can relate this to taking leadership in small group activities or understanding the responsibilities when they are put in charge during school projects or household tasks.
Example Lesson: Understanding Qualifications
Explanation: Through Squid’s journey, the book addresses the importance of qualifications for roles, as Squid realizes that wanting to be a leader isn’t the same as being qualified to be one.
Real-World Application: This can teach children about the importance of skills and experience in achieving goals, such as working towards being a team captain or a class monitor by showing consistent performance and teamwork.
Example Lesson: Humility and Learning from Mistakes
Explanation: Squid’s experiences highlight that self-awareness and humility are important traits in leaders. Despite his initial confidence, Squid learns that these traits are crucial.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of humility and can apply it by accepting feedback and learning from everyday mistakes, whether in academics, sports, or relationships.
Example Lesson: The Value of Good Intentions
Explanation: The story subtly brings out that having good intentions is pivotal, as depicted by Squid’s genuine desire to make things better for everyone.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand that intending to do good is the first step toward positive actions, like helping a friend in need or participating in community service.