The Great Paper Caper
on Goodreads (2,595)
What’s inside...
The picture book features funny looking characters with dots for eyes and stick legs who live in the forest and conveys a message that everyone is responsible for the environment we live in. It includes a humorous story where branches start disappearing from trees, leading to a full-scale investigation with interviews, clue gathering, and paw print dusting to find the culprit. The book, with its exciting new cover, is a reissue from the award-winning, internationally bestselling picture book creator, Oliver Jeffers.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-5
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Why do you think the bear felt he needed to steal the trees?
How did the other animals react to the bear's actions, and what does that teach us about working together?
What are some ways we can solve problems without hurting others or our environment?
How do you think the bear felt at the end of the story, and why?
Can you think of a time when you needed help and someone helped you? How did that make you feel?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by asking your child to summarize the story in their own words, fostering a deeper understanding. Encourage empathy by discussing the emotions of each character and relate them to personal experiences your child might have had. Explain the importance of conservation and how the story reflects its impact on nature and society. Compliment your child's responses to affirm their understanding and boost their confidence in expressing their thoughts.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Responsibility and Honesty
Explanation: The story revolves around a bear who cuts down trees to win a paper airplane contest, eventually causing problems for others in the forest. He learns to admit his mistakes and correct them.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of owning up to their actions and being honest, even when they make mistakes. This is applicable in daily situations like sharing and playing fairly with others.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Problem Solving
Explanation: The animals in the forest come together to solve the mystery of the missing trees, showing how teamwork can lead to discovering the truth and solving problems.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to collaborate with others, whether in school projects or family activities, enhancing their problem-solving abilities and understanding of teamwork.
Example Lesson: Environmental Awareness
Explanation: The story highlights the impact of deforestation on the community, illustrating the consequences of the bear's actions on the environment.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of caring for the environment and can be encouraged to engage in eco-friendly activities like recycling and tree planting.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: Through the narrative, children see the world from different perspectives, particularly how the bear's actions affect others in the forest.
Real-World Application: This can help children develop empathy by considering how their actions affect others, promoting a more caring attitude towards friends and family members.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Innovation
Explanation: The story celebrates creativity through the paper airplane contest, inspiring children to explore and create new things.
Real-World Application: It motivates children to engage in creative activities like arts and crafts, fostering an innovative spirit from a young age.