The Hat Full of Secrets
#1 of 15 in Colour Fiction Series
What’s inside...
A lyrical and heart-warming story celebrating the magical bond between a child and a grandparent. Henry has a big secret and doesn't know what to do with it. Grandpa suggests he should keep it under his hat – and he's got just the hat for the job. But when Henry puts it on, he discovers that Grandpa has some secrets of his own!
Discussion points
What do you think Henry’s secrets could be and why do you think they are important to him?
How would you feel if you had a hat full of secrets? What kinds of secrets would you keep?
Why do you think Henry didn't want to share his secrets at first?
Can you think of a time when you shared a secret with someone? How did it make you feel?
What does this story teach us about trust and friendship?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think about their own experiences with secrets or surprises and relate those to Henry’s story.
Discuss the importance of trust in friendships, using examples from the book and your child’s life.
Ask your child to describe how they would design their own 'secret hat', prompting them to think creatively and engage more deeply with the story.
After reading, consider role-playing a scenario where your child shares a 'secret' with you, demonstrating how trust works in relationships.
Use the book's illustrations to discuss body language and facial expressions, helping your child understand how the characters might feel in different situations.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of trust
Explanation: In 'The Hat Full of Secrets', Henry finds it difficult to keep his friend's secret, illustrating the challenges and responsibilities that come with trust.
Real-World Application: Children understand the value of keeping promises and the importance of being a reliable friend in their daily interactions.
Example Lesson: The power of curiosity
Explanation: The story exemplifies how Henry's curiosity leads him to explore new friendships and experiences, showing that curiosity can be a gateway to new lessons and adventures.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to ask questions and explore the world around them, promoting active engagement and learning.
Example Lesson: Respecting others' privacy
Explanation: Throughout the book, Henry learns why it's important to respect others' private matters, even when he is curious, reinforcing the concept of personal boundaries.
Real-World Application: Teaches children to understand and respect the personal space and secrets of others, fostering empathy and better social interactions.
Example Lesson: The joy of sharing
Explanation: Henry eventually shares his own secrets, discovering the joy and connection that comes from opening up to others.
Real-World Application: Promotes the idea that sharing personal experiences can strengthen friendships and bring people closer together.
Example Lesson: Handling peer pressure
Explanation: Henry navigates the pressure from peers to reveal secrets, learning to stand firm and make decisions based on what feels right to him.
Real-World Application: Helps children develop resilience against peer pressure and teaches them to make individual values-based decisions.