The Bad Trousers
Little gems Series
What’s inside...
A charming birthday story about one boy and his Granny's awful knitting, with artwork by Katie Morag creator Mairi Hedderwick. When your birthday is just around the corner, it can be tempting to second-guess the presents you might be getting. Robbie's pretty sure he's getting his dream present - a kitten! Granny has been dropping hints about cats, and her cat has just had kittens...But when he is given the gift of some truly terrible cat-print knitted trousers instead, what's he to do but try and get rid of them any way he can! High quality cream paper and a special easy to read font ensure a smooth read for all.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-9
Length
96 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the main character felt when they wore the bad trousers?
How did the trousers change the way other characters treated the main character?
Can clothes change the way we feel about ourselves? Why or why not?
What could the main character have done differently in the story?
If you were in the story, how would you help the main character?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing a personal story about a time you wore something that made you feel different. Ask open-ended questions and give your child time to think before they respond. Show interest in their thoughts and feelings, and relate them back to the themes of acceptance and self-expression in the book. Encourage your child to draw a picture of their favorite outfit and explain why it's special to them, connecting it back to the book’s narrative.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of problem-solving
Explanation: In 'The Bad Trousers', the protagonist faces the challenge of dealing with trousers that have a mind of their own. The story demonstrates how the character uses creativity and logic to tackle the problem.
Real-World Application: Children learn to apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills to overcome obstacles in their daily activities, whether it’s resolving conflicts with peers or handling difficult tasks.
Example Lesson: Value of persistence
Explanation: Throughout the book, the protagonist’s persistence in managing the misbehaving trousers is highlighted. Despite numerous setbacks, they keep trying different solutions.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand the importance of persevering through difficult situations, whether it's mastering a new skill or completing homework assignments.
Example Lesson: Understanding consequences
Explanation: The book illustrates the consequences of the character's actions when dealing with the trousers, emphasizing the results of both good and poor decision-making.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to foresee potential outcomes of their choices, aiding them in making better decisions in interactions and responsibilities.
Example Lesson: Embracing uniqueness
Explanation: The quirky nature of the trousers eventually leads to unique resolutions and acceptance. It teaches that being different can lead to positive and creative outcomes.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to appreciate and embrace individual differences in themselves and others, promoting diversity and inclusion in their environments.