The Missing Chick
Chicken series
on Goodreads (114)
What’s inside...
One of Mother Hen's little chicks is missing, prompting a frantic search by Mother Hen and the neighbors. Despite their efforts, there is no sign of the missing chick. The situation escalates as firemen and a detective join the search. However, it turns out the little chick may not be missing after all, but simply taking a quiet nap. Valeri Gorbachev's book features energetic illustrations and a cast of comical characters, telling a lighthearted and over-the-top tale of a little chick who is eventually found safe and sound.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
2-6
Length
30 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Why do you think the chick went missing? How do you think the other animals felt when they couldn't find the chick?
What would you have done if you were one of the chick's friends trying to find him?
How does the story show the importance of helping others? Can you think of a time when you helped someone?
What do you think is the message of this story? How does it make you feel?
Who was your favorite character and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story. Listen actively without interrupting, showing that their perspective is valued.
Ask your child to draw their favorite scene from the book. This can help them connect visually and emotionally with the story, fostering a deeper understanding.
Relate the themes of the story to real-life situations, such as a time when your child or someone they know needed help. This can make the themes more relatable and memorable.
After discussing the book, help your child think of ways they can be helpful or kind to their friends or family members, reinforcing the message of the book through actions.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of teamwork
Explanation: In 'The Missing Chick', various animals work together to solve the mystery of the missing chick, demonstrating the power of cooperation.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by collaborating with peers during group activities or problem-solving tasks at school or in play.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: Throughout the story, the characters employ different strategies to find the missing chick, showing how thinking creatively and logically can lead to solutions.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to approach their challenges thoughtfully, whether it's a difficult homework assignment or resolving conflicts with friends.
Example Lesson: Empathy and compassion
Explanation: The concern shown by the animals for the missing chick highlights the importance of caring for others and understanding their feelings.
Real-World Application: Children learn to be mindful of their peers' emotions and situations, fostering a more empathetic and supportive environment at home or school.
Example Lesson: The value of persistence
Explanation: The characters do not give up despite initial setbacks in searching for the chick, teaching resilience and determination.
Real-World Application: Kids can mirror this persistence in their own lives by not giving up easily on their tasks or goals, be it in learning a new skill or in sports.