The Boy in the Jam Jar: A Bloomsbury Reader: Lime Book Band
Bloomsbury Readers Series
What’s inside...
In 'The Boy in the Jam Jar: A Bloomsbury Reader,' Joyce Dunbar tells a powerful and personal story about Dylan, a young boy experiencing hearing difficulties. As his hearing worsens, Dylan feels increasingly isolated from his friends, but finds solace and grounding in his loyal dog, Pluto. This heartwarming tale navigates themes of resilience, acceptance, and self-worth, educating young readers about diversity and inclusivity. With beautiful black-and-white illustrations by John Shelley, this book is designed for children developing as readers. Part of the Bloomsbury Readers series, it includes online guided reading notes and is ideal for fostering empathy and literacy skills in children aged 6 and above.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
6-7
Length
80 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think it feels like to be the boy in the jam jar?
How do you think the boy's experiences in the story are similar or different to yours?
What would you do if you were in a situation like the boy?
How did the boy's feelings change throughout the book?
Why do you think the title of the book is 'The Boy in the Jam Jar'?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think deeply about the emotions and experiences of the character to foster empathy. Use comparisons between the book's scenarios and real-life situations to make the conversation more relatable. Ask open-ended questions that provoke more than yes or no answers to stimulate critical thinking. Validate your child's feelings and thoughts as they express them to create a safe space for discussion.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience and problem-solving
Explanation: The protagonist faces challenges that require creative thinking and perseverance, which exemplify resilience.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of persisting through difficulties and thinking creatively to solve problems they encounter in daily activities or schoolwork.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: The story portrays the protagonist's journey to understanding others who are different from himself, promoting the value of empathy.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to understand and appreciate the diverse perspectives and experiences of their peers, fostering a more inclusive environment at school or in social settings.
Example Lesson: Courage to face fears
Explanation: As the boy confronts various scenarios within the jam jar, he learns to overcome fears, highlighting the importance of courage.
Real-World Application: Children are inspired to face their own fears, whether it be trying new activities, making new friends, or facing academic challenges.
Example Lesson: The importance of friendship
Explanation: Through various interactions and adventures, the importance of supportive friendships is underscored in the story.
Real-World Application: It demonstrates to children how building and maintaining friendships can provide emotional support and enhance their social experiences.