The Day I Swapped My Dad For Two Goldfish
What’s inside...
The Day I Swapped My Dad for Two Goldfish is a humorous adventure about a young boy who trades his father for his best friend's two goldfish. When his mother discovers the swap, she sends him on a series of trades to get his father back. The book, written by Neil Gaiman and illustrated by Dave McKean, is a beloved children's story, appreciated by readers of all ages for its unique and entertaining narrative.
Age
4-12
Length
64 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
The Boy
The Sister
Dad
Discussion points
How would you feel if you swapped a family member for something you wanted? What would you miss about them?
What do you think about the adventures the brother and sister had while trying to get their dad back?
Why do you think the children decided to swap their dad for goldfish? What does this tell us about what they value?
How do you think the dad felt when he found out he was swapped for goldfish? How would you feel in his place?
What is the most important lesson you learned from this story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by asking about the feelings and thoughts provoked by the story, encouraging your child to express empathy and relate the situations to personal experiences.
Encourage a deeper understanding by asking your child to think about the consequences of the children's decision and how different choices could have led to different outcomes.
Discuss the themes of value and exchange presented in the book. Ask your child about things they value and why.
Utilize the whimsical and imaginative aspects of the story to ask your child what they would do in a similar fantastical situation, fostering creativity and problem-solving.
Reinforce the ultimate lesson of appreciating loved ones, and discuss ways to show appreciation and care in your family.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding the concept of bartering
Explanation: The protagonist swaps his dad for two goldfish, showcasing the idea of trading one item for another.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of items and the basics of trade, which can help them in understanding exchanges in real-world scenarios such as trading toys or cards with peers.
Example Lesson: Recognizing the importance of family
Explanation: Throughout the story, as the protagonist tries to get his dad back, he realizes the unique value of family members over material possessions.
Real-World Application: This helps children appreciate family bonds and prioritize relationships over materialistic gains.
Example Lesson: Consequences of impulsive decisions
Explanation: The decision to trade his dad leads the protagonist on a challenging journey, highlighting the repercussions that follow impulsive decisions.
Real-World Application: Children learn to think through their decisions and consider possible consequences before acting.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving and responsibility
Explanation: The protagonist faces several challenges in retrieving his dad and must come up with solutions, demonstrating problem-solving skills and taking responsibility for his actions.
Real-World Application: This can be applied in a child’s daily life by encouraging them to take responsibility for their actions and think creatively to solve problems they encounter.