The Horribly Hungry Gingerbread Boy: A San Francisco Story
What’s inside...
When Shirley bakes herself a gingerbread treat to bring to school, the last thing she expects is for him to leap out of her lunchbox and begin gobbling everything in sight. A wild chase ensues—on foot and by cable car—through iconic San Francisco neighborhoods including the Mission, Chinatown, North Beach, and Fisherman's Wharf. Will Shirley be able to catch the gingerbread boy before he eats up the whole city? Friendship is at the heart of this retelling of the classic folktale. A recipe for (non-magical) gingerbread treats is included.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Why do you think the Gingerbread Boy was so hungry, and what could he have done differently?
How do the various landmarks in San Francisco help the Gingerbread Boy in his adventure?
What are some feelings you think the Gingerbread Boy experienced during his journey?
If you were a character in the story, how would you help the Gingerbread Boy?
What is the importance of sharing and kindness as shown through the Gingerbread Boy's interactions with others?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts by asking them to imagine themselves in the Gingerbread Boy’s shoes.
Discuss the significance of the San Francisco landmarks mentioned in the story to enhance cultural and geographical knowledge.
Ask your child to describe different emotions they might feel if they were on a similar adventure, linking it to the Gingerbread Boy’s feelings.
Suggest that your child draw their version of the Gingerbread Boy or one of the story's scenes, to engage their creative thinking.
Highlight themes like generosity and kindness by relating them to real-life scenarios your child might encounter.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of self-control
Explanation: The Gingerbread Boy struggles with his constant hunger which leads him into tricky situations throughout San Francisco.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the value of self-control and how managing their desires is important for safety and well-being.
Example Lesson: Understanding consequences
Explanation: As the Gingerbread Boy makes choices based on his hunger, he faces various consequences that impact his adventure.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to think ahead about the potential results of their actions, encouraging responsible decision-making.
Example Lesson: Appreciation of diverse cultures
Explanation: The story's backdrop in San Francisco exposes the Gingerbread Boy to various cultures and landmarks, depicting a vibrant urban environment.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and respect different cultures, expanding their worldview and embracing diversity.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: Throughout his journey, the Gingerbread Boy encounters problems that he needs to solve in order to move forward.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to use critical thinking and creativity to overcome obstacles in their own lives.