The Boy Who Made the World Disappear
What’s inside...
Enter a world of wonder with Ben Miller's latest novel where Harrison, a boy who tries his best to be good, discovers the perils of wishing away his problems when he is given a black hole instead of a balloon at a party. As things he loves also start disappearing into the black hole, Harrison learns valuable lessons about desires and consequences. This out-of-this-world adventure is filled with twists of fate, time travel, and troublesome black holes, complemented by beautiful illustrations from Daniela Jaglenka Terrazzini.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-8
Length
272 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What did you think about Harrison's choice to use the black hole? How would you have handled it differently?
How do you think the story would have changed if the black hole never appeared?
What did you learn about forgiveness and friendship from Harrison's experiences?
Can you think of a time when you had to apologize for something, like Harrison did? How did it make you feel afterwards?
How do you think the story shows the consequences of our actions?
Tip: Role play these questions
Prior to discussing, ensure your child has a good grasp of the plot and characters, allowing for a deeper conversation about the themes.
Encourage your child to express their opinions and feelings about the story, showing that their thoughts are valued.
Connect the themes of the book to real-life situations your child might encounter to make the discussion more relatable.
Ask follow-up questions to your child’s responses to encourage critical thinking and extend the conversation.
Highlight the moral lessons in the story and discuss how they can be applied in everyday life, emphasizing personal growth and learning.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding the consequences of actions
Explanation: In the story, Harrison receives a black hole that swallows everything it encounters. This illustrates how actions, like using the black hole impulsively, can have far-reaching consequences.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by considering the potential outcomes before they act, helping them make thoughtful decisions in real life.
Example Lesson: The importance of forgiveness
Explanation: Harrison and his friend Robin have a falling out but eventually reconcile, showcasing the power and importance of forgiveness.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to forgive and seek forgiveness in their interactions, fostering healthier relationships and promoting emotional wellbeing.
Example Lesson: Value of responsibility
Explanation: Harrison learns to take responsibility for the chaos caused by the black hole, emphasizing the lesson of owning up to one's actions.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to accept responsibility for their actions, understand the impact they can have on others, and work towards rectifying mistakes.
Example Lesson: Resilience and problem-solving
Explanation: Faced with the task of fixing the problems caused by the black hole, Harrison demonstrates resilience and problem-solving skills.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to stay resilient amidst challenges and to creatively think through solutions when faced with difficulties.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: As Harrison sees the effects of the black hole on his friends and family, he grows more empathetic and understanding towards them.
Real-World Application: This can teach children the importance of empathy in understanding other people’s feelings and situations, helping them build stronger social connections.