What’s inside...
A picture can speak a thousand words and Adam Stower's tale of consequences does just that. With illustrations to pore over, this book is a visual delight for a wide audience of all ages. 'Don’t slam the door!' pleads a parent as a boy and his dog head out to run an errand, but the distracted boy doesn't hear. What follows is a fantastical calamity of epic and silly proportions, all thanks to a slammed door that dislodges a red ball. As the ball bounces through the neighborhood, it unleashes an escalating series of slapstick events that involve animals and people thrown off course and into the air, traffic jams and near-collisions, a fire-breathing dragon, tiny alien creatures — and a boy completely oblivious to the chaos he has caused.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
0-5
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Sam Jones
Alicia Burns
Annie Jones
Andrea Burns
Discussion points
Why do you think the characters reacted the way they did in the story?
What would you have done if you were in the same situation as the main character?
How do you think the story would change if it happened in a different place?
What was your favorite part of the book, and why?
If you could ask the author one question, what would it be?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading techniques to bring the characters and scenes to life, which can heighten your child's interest in the discussion.
Allow your child to express their thoughts and opinions without interruption, showing that their perspective is valued.
Relate the story's themes to real-life situations your child might encounter to help them connect with the book on a personal level.
Encourage your child to draw or write about their favorite scene or character, promoting further engagement with the book's themes.
Ask follow-up questions to your child's responses that require more than a 'yes' or 'no' reply to encourage deeper thinking and conversation.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Collaboration
Explanation: In 'Slam!' the main character learns to work with others to solve problems, showcasing the importance of cooperation.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by engaging in group activities or team sports, learning to cooperate and value each other's contributions.
Example Lesson: Perseverance and Resilience
Explanation: The narrative emphasizes persisting through challenges and not giving up in the face of difficulties.
Real-World Application: Kids can mirror this attitude in their academics and personal pursuits, understanding that challenges are opportunities for growth.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Innovation
Explanation: The story promotes creative solutions to problems, encouraging thinking outside the box.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to use their imagination in play and problem-solving, fostering innovative thinking skills.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: The protagonist takes responsibility for their actions, learning about accountability.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand the importance of being responsible for their actions at home, in school, and in their community.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: Through interactions with other characters, the protagonist learns to understand and empathize with different perspectives.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children in social interactions, promoting a more inclusive and understanding attitude towards others.