That Is NOT a Good Idea!
on Goodreads (8,389)
What’s inside...
One day a very hungry fox meets a very plump goose. A dinner invitation is offered. Will dinner go as planned? Or do the dinner plans involve a secret ingredient? (Don't forget to listen to the baby geese!) That Is Not a Good Idea!
Age
3-6
Length
42 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Goose
Baby Geese
Fox
Discussion points
Why do you think the goose went with the fox? What would you have done if you were in the goose's place?
How does the story change the way you think about the characters from the beginning to the end?
What do you think 'That is NOT a good idea!' means in the context of this story?
How did the illustrations help you understand what was happening in the story?
What lessons can we learn about trust and caution from this story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story's events and characters. Ask them to predict outcomes and reflect on the characters' decisions. Use the illustrations in the book to guide your discussion, pointing out subtle cues that might influence their understanding of the story. Most importantly, listen actively to your child’s responses, validating their feelings and offering gentle guidance when needed.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Critical Thinking
Explanation: The story cleverly unfolds with a fox inviting a goose to dinner, hinting at possible ulterior motives which the little chicks remark upon, encouraging readers to think critically about the intentions of others.
Real-World Application: Children can apply critical thinking in everyday interactions by assessing situations and people's motives more thoughtfully, enhancing their decision-making skills.
Example Lesson: Listening to Intuition
Explanation: The repeated warnings from the chicks serve as a metaphor for listening to one's intuition when something feels off, ultimately revealed when the goose turns the tables on the fox.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to trust their gut feelings in uncomfortable situations and seek help or exit the situation as necessary.
Example Lesson: Questioning Appearances
Explanation: The book plays with the theme of appearances versus reality, as the seemingly naïve goose outsmarts the seemingly cunning fox.
Real-World Application: Children learn not to judge based on appearances alone but to look deeper into actions and behaviors for a true understanding of someone's character.
Example Lesson: Importance of Cautiousness
Explanation: Throughout the book, the suspense builds through the chicks' cautionary remarks, underscoring the importance of being cautious and aware of one’s surroundings.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand the importance of being cautious and aware, especially in new or unfamiliar environments.