Slugs in Love
What’s inside...
Marylou loves everything about Herbie--how his slime trail glistens in the dark, how he can stretch himself thin to squeeze inside the cellar window, and how he always finds the juiciest tomatoes. But Marylou is a shy slug. How can she get Herbie to notice her? Find out how Marylou woos her beloved in this must-have love story that's perfect for Valentine's Day.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-7
Length
33 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Why do you think Marylou the slug wrote poems to Herbie? What did the poems tell us about her feelings?
How did Herbie react to Marylou's poems, and why do you think he reacted that way?
What does this story teach us about expressing our feelings to others?
How do Marylou and Herbie show kindness and understanding to each other?
Why is it important that Herbie and Marylou supported each other? How did it change their relationship?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use positive reinforcement when your child expresses their thoughts, highlighting the importance of sharing feelings just like Marylou.
Encourage your child to relate the story to their own experiences, such as a time they made a new friend or helped someone.
Ask your child to imagine alternative endings or adventures for Marylou and Herbie, fostering their creativity and storytelling skills.
Discuss the importance of communication and expressing one's feelings openly, drawing parallels with interpersonal relationships in real life.
Prompt your child to talk about their favorite part of the book and why it stands out to them, reinforcing their understanding and personal connection to the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of expressing feelings
Explanation: In 'Slugs in Love', the characters Marylou and Herbie communicate their affection for each other through poetry, showcasing how articulating emotions can foster connections.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to share their feelings openly with friends and family to build stronger, more empathetic relationships.
Example Lesson: Perseverance in expressing oneself
Explanation: Despite initial shyness, Herbie continues to write poems to Marylou. His persistent efforts help him overcome his hesitations, ultimately bringing him closer to Marylou.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the value of persistence when faced with challenges, whether in learning a new skill or making new friends.
Example Lesson: Creativity as a form of expression
Explanation: The poetic endeavors of Herbie illustrate the role of creativity in expressing one’s thoughts and feelings, adding depth and enjoyment to communication.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to explore different modes of creative expression like drawing, writing, or music as tools for personal expression and communication.
Example Lesson: Respect for others' feelings
Explanation: Throughout the book, both Marylou and Herbie show consideration for each other’s feelings, fostering a respectful and caring relationship.
Real-World Application: Highlights the importance of being considerate and respectful towards others' feelings in daily interactions, promoting a caring community environment.
Example Lesson: The joy of shared interests
Explanation: The common interest in poetry brings Marylou and Herbie together, showing how shared passions can form the foundation of strong relationships.
Real-World Application: Motivates children to engage in and share activities they are passionate about with others, fostering friendships and collaborative learning experiences.