The Littles and the Terrible Tiny Kid
#12 in The Littles Series
What’s inside...
The Littles are in for big trouble when many messes around the house suggest that they have a terrible tiny kid on their hands. Midge, a tiny, energetic child from the city, turns the Littles' household upside-down and brings excitement into the lives of Tom and Lucy Little.
Character compass
Tom Little
Little Lucy
Mrs. Little
Mr. Little
The Terrible Tiny Kid
Discussion points
How do you think the Littles felt when the Tiny Kid arrived? Can you describe a time you felt similar?
What are some ways the Littles tried to help the Tiny Kid? What would you have done in their place?
Why is it important to be patient and understanding with someone who is different from us?
How did the Littles’ home change with the Tiny Kid around? How do you think they adapted to these changes?
What do you think is the main lesson the Littles learned from their experience with the Tiny Kid?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings and thoughts about the story, relating personal experiences when possible. Ask open-ended questions to facilitate deeper conversation and understanding. Highlight the themes of empathy, adaptation, and family support in the book, discussing how these values are important in real life. Reinforce the learning by relating the experiences of the Littles to your child’s daily interactions and observations.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: In the story, the Littles take responsibility for teaching the new tiny kid, who is initially troublesome, how to behave within their community.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of taking responsibility for their actions and helping others understand the rules and behaviors expected in different settings.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: Throughout the book, the Littles show empathy by understanding the difficulties the terrible tiny kid faces and trying to help him adjust.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be empathetic towards peers who might be struggling with new environments or challenges, promoting a supportive social atmosphere.
Example Lesson: Cooperation
Explanation: The Littles work together to manage the disruptions caused by the tiny kid, demonstrating effective teamwork.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of cooperating in group settings, whether in school projects or during play, to achieve common goals and maintain harmony.
Example Lesson: Adaptability
Explanation: The Littles adapt their strategies for dealing with the tiny kid as they understand more about his behavior.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of being adaptable in overcoming obstacles and dealing with unexpected situations.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: The Littles face the challenge of the terrible tiny kid with creative problem-solving, coming up with different ideas to integrate him into their community.
Real-World Application: It highlights the significance of thinking critically and creatively to solve problems, a skill applicable in academic and social scenarios.