The Big Adventure of the Smalls
on Goodreads (3)
What’s inside...
It's the night of the Small Hall Grand Ball and everyone is eagerly preparing for the celebration. However, Paul and Sally Small are unable to join in on the fun due to their small size. Disaster strikes when Paul's cherished teddy bear, Mr. Puddles, goes missing. Determined to find his friend, Paul decides to sneak into the Grand Ball with Sally to search for Mr. Puddles.
Age
3-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did the Smalls feel when they embarked on their big adventure?
What do you think is the most exciting part of their adventure?
Why is it important to stick together like the Smalls did during their journey?
How did the characters solve problems they encountered along the way?
What would you have done differently if you were one of the Smalls?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by asking your child how they feel about going on their own adventures, relating it to how the Smalls might have felt.
Utilize the illustrations in the book to ask your child to describe what they see and how it contributes to the story.
Encourage your child to predict what might happen next in the story to develop their anticipation and analytical skills.
After reading, ask your child to draw a scene from the book or imagine a new adventure for the Smalls.
Discuss the importance of teamwork and problem solving, relating it back to real-life situations your child might encounter.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage and Bravery
Explanation: In 'The Big Adventure of the Smalls', the Small siblings sneak out during a party to explore, showcasing their bravery as they navigate the unknown house.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of courage when facing new situations or environments, encouraging them to explore and learn from the wider world despite any initial fears.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Discovery
Explanation: The story emphasizes the innate curiosity of children as the Smalls investigate their surroundings, leading to unexpected and thrilling discoveries.
Real-World Application: This lesson highlights the value of curiosity, motivating children to ask questions and seek out new knowledge in their daily activities and studies.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Despite the allure of adventure, the Small siblings demonstrate responsibility by sticking together and keeping each other safe during their explorations.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of being responsible, especially when looking out for siblings or friends in unfamiliar situations.
Example Lesson: Consequences of Actions
Explanation: Upon returning from their adventure, the Smalls must face the consequences of sneaking out, which teaches them accountability.
Real-World Application: Children learn that their actions have consequences, fostering a sense of responsibility and encouraging thoughtful decision-making.
Example Lesson: Enjoyment of Simple Pleasures
Explanation: The book celebrates the joy found in simple adventures, highlighting how the Smalls found excitement in a simple, unsupervised exploration.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to find happiness and adventure in everyday life, appreciating the simple moments rather than needing extravagant or materialistic items to find joy.