The Impossible Boy
What’s inside...
Believe in the impossible this Christmas - a magical story celebrating the power of imagination, from the bestselling author of STORIES FOR BOYS WHO DARE TO BE DIFFERENT. Oleg and Emma entered their den to find a cardboard spaceship standing exactly where they usually sat. Slowly, they discover the magic of believing in the impossible and the power of imagination.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
9-11
Length
256 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Vincent felt when he moved to a new town? Have you ever felt similar?
Vincent created his own magical friend, George. If you could create an imaginary friend, what qualities would they have?
Why do you think it was important for Vincent to have George during his adventures?
What does this story teach us about friendship and believing in the impossible?
How do you think the story would change if George was visible to everyone else?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about moving and making new friends, relating them to Vincent's experiences.
Discuss the concept of imagination and creativity, asking your child to describe or draw their ideal imaginary friend.
Identify moments in the book where friendship and support played a key role, and relate those moments to your child's personal experiences with friends.
Explore themes of belief and the impossible, asking your child about a time they achieved something they initially thought was impossible.
After reading, engage in a creative activity where you both imagine and describe a day in the life with an imaginary friend, enhancing connection and understanding.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Individuality
Explanation: The book follows the story of Oleg and Emma who invent a new friend, a daring boy named Sebastian. The story showcases how Sebastian, despite being different and imaginary, impacts everyone around him positively, teaching the importance of accepting and celebrating individual differences.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by appreciating their own unique traits and those of others around them, fostering an environment of acceptance and understanding in their interactions.
Example Lesson: Importance of Friendship
Explanation: Throughout 'The Impossible Boy', the themes of loyalty, support, and companionship are explored as Oleg and Emma stick together and with Sebastian through various challenges, highlighting how true friends always support each other.
Real-World Application: Kids learn the value of building strong, supportive friendships. This encourages them to be good friends in real life, offering support and loyalty to their peers.
Example Lesson: Overcoming Fears
Explanation: The characters in the book face various fears and challenges but learn to overcome them with the help of each other. This demonstrates the power of facing one's fears rather than avoiding them.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to face their own fears and understand that overcoming obstacles is a part of life, teaching resilience and bravery.
Example Lesson: Power of Imagination
Explanation: Sebastian, being a product of imagination, shows how creativity and thinking outside the box can lead to wonderful adventures and solve problems, emphasizing the importance of imagination.
Real-World Application: This lesson inspires children to use their creativity to think of innovative solutions and to see the world in new and exciting ways.
Example Lesson: Resilience in Adversity
Explanation: The characters often face setbacks but they always find ways to bounce back. This resilience demonstrates that persisting through difficulties is crucial.
Real-World Application: Teaching children to remain resilient in face of challenges prepares them to handle life's ups and downs effectively.