That's Why!
What’s inside...
There's bad news in the paper and war on the TV. Ziggi, an aspiring rockstar, is wondering why he was ever born at all, when the answer to his question miraculously appears in the form of a spectacular, all-flying, all-singing little stallion! Ziggi is whisked away for the ride of his life, but will he come back singing a different tune? Babette Cole provides us with some answers to the biggest question of all in this vibrant, life-affirming picture book.
Age
5-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think is the most interesting reason given in the book for why things happen?
How do the explanations in the book help you understand the world around you better?
Can you think of another 'That's Why!' explanation for something you've wondered about?
How do you feel when you learn the reasons behind things that happen every day?
Which part of the book was your favorite and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Validate your child's curiosity before starting the discussion to make them feel comfortable and excited about sharing their thoughts.
Relate the content of the book to your child’s everyday experiences to make the discussion more relevant and engaging for them.
Encourage your child to ask their own 'why' questions about the world around them, fostering an environment of ongoing curiosity and learning.
Use enthusiastic and animated expressions to keep the conversation lively and maintain your child's interest.
After discussing the book, engage in an activity related to the book’s theme, such as exploring the outdoors or conducting a simple experiment, to reinforce the learning.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: The characters in 'That's Why!' navigate a series of misunderstandings that teach them to consider each other's feelings and perspectives, fostering empathy.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by thinking about how their friends or classmates might feel before they speak or act, improving peer interactions and friendships.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: The book presents scenarios where characters must creatively solve problems, showcasing the importance of critical thinking and innovation.
Real-World Application: Kids learn to apply problem-solving skills when they face challenges at school, like completing a difficult task or resolving conflicts with others.
Example Lesson: Importance of Questions
Explanation: Curiosity drives the story as characters consistently ask 'That's why?' leading to a deeper understanding of their world.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to stay curious, ask questions, and actively seek knowledge in their everyday learning environments.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: Throughout the book, characters work together to overcome obstacles, highlighting the effectiveness of collaborative efforts.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the value of cooperation and how working with others can help accomplish goals during group activities at school or play.
Example Lesson: Accepting Differences
Explanation: As characters encounter and resolve their differences in the story, it underlines the importance of acceptance and diversity.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to embrace diversity and understand the value of different perspectives in their community and school environments.