The Almost Fearless Hamilton Squidlegger
on Goodreads (161)
What’s inside...
An endearing tale of a boy named Hamilton Squidlegger who overcomes his bedtime fears with help from his dad and the promise of wormcake in the morning. During the day, Hamilton is fearless, confronting all the creatures in the swamp, but at night he is terrified. His father helps him find the courage to remain fearless in his own mud all night, in this sweet story of father and son illustrated by Timothy Basil Ering.
Age
3-7
Length
48 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Hamilton Squidlegger
Hamilton'S Father
Discussion points
How did Hamilton face his fears at night, and what can you do when you feel scared?
Hamilton had a big imagination. Can you think of a time when your imagination took you on an adventure?
Why do you think the monsters in the swamp ended up being friendly? What does this tell us about judging others?
What are some ways Hamilton showed bravery? Can you think of a time you were brave?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by asking your child how they feel about bedtime and if they have ever had any fears like Hamilton. This can make the conversation feel more personal and relatable.
Encourage your child to draw parallels between their life and Hamilton’s adventures. This can help deepen their understanding of the book’s themes and their own experiences.
Discuss the notion of misunderstanding and misjudging others, using the example of the swamp monsters. This can help develop empathy and critical thinking.
Praise your child’s insights and encourage them to think of creative solutions to challenges, just like Hamilton. This reinforces positive problem-solving behavior.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in facing fears
Explanation: Hamilton Squidlegger overcomes his fear of monsters under his bed by using his imagination to transform fear into an adventurous challenge.
Real-World Application: Children can use their creativity to confront personal fears and perceive challenging situations in a more positive light.
Example Lesson: Importance of Imagination
Explanation: Hamilton uses his vivid imagination to create stories that make bedtime an exciting part of his day rather than something to dread.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to use their imagination as a powerful tool for problem-solving and turning fearful moments into enjoyable experiences.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: Despite being afraid, Hamilton continues to engage with his fears nightly, demonstrating resilience and the ability to face fears repeatedly until they subside.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the value of resilience and persistence in overcoming obstacles and fears, providing them with the confidence to tackle other challenges in life.