Sound Like Someone Try Not Make a Sound
What’s inside...
A child hears a strange noise in the night and investigates with his father. Together, they explore possible sources of the noise and realize there's nothing to fear. John Irving and illustrator Tatjana Hauptmann create an empowering story about overcoming fears with creativity and imagination.
Age
2-6
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the characters felt when they were trying not to make a sound?
What are some reasons why the characters might want to stay quiet?
Can you think of a time when you tried to be very quiet? What was that like?
Why do you think silence is important in the story?
How would the story change if the characters were loud instead of quiet?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, explain the importance of understanding the characters' emotions and actions in the story.
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in the characters’ situation, asking how they would feel and react in similar circumstances.
Discuss the significance of silence and noise in both the book and real life, drawing parallels to help deepen understanding.
After reading, ask your child to summarize the story in their own words, focusing on the importance of the characters’ actions and decisions.
Use expressive intonation and pauses as you read together, to emphasize the tension and drama surrounding moments of silence.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: The story illustrates how one character's understanding and care for another's fears helps them overcome those fears.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to recognize and respond to the feelings of others, helping friends or family members who may be scared or worried.
Example Lesson: Courage
Explanation: The characters in the book face their fears, showing that facing scary situations can often lead to growth and resolution.
Real-World Application: This teaches children that it's okay to be afraid and that courage doesn’t mean the absence of fear, but rather facing it despite being afraid.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: The children in the story use creative thinking to find ways to make a scary environment less intimidating.
Real-World Application: Children learn that they can use their creativity and intelligence to solve problems or change a situation that makes them uncomfortable.
Example Lesson: Friendship
Explanation: Through shared experiences and support, the characters build strong bonds of friendship.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to value the friends in their lives, and to seek and offer support in their own friendships.