The Return of the Spot: More Horrible Poems for More Horrible Children
#2 in Potty Poets Series
on Goodreads (6)
What’s inside...
The Return of the Spot is a collection of humorous poems by Gez Walsh, featuring a mix of old favorites and new whimsical characters. The book includes tales of odd characters like the Rocking Vicar and Poorly Julie, and also explores the funny and embarrassing moments of everyday life, such as a dad pretending to be Baby Spice at a party. It includes old favorites like Wilf, the central character grappling with life, along with the wilder flights of Gez's fantasy. The book's crude humor and whimsical tales provide laughter and a growing fanbase of spotmaniacs. It’s perfect for kids who have endured the embarrassment of their dad’s antics.
Discussion points
What feelings did the poems in the book make you feel and why?
Which poem was your favorite and what made it stand out to you?
How do the characters in the poems handle their challenges?
Do you think the title ‘More Horrible Poems for More Horrible Children’ fits the poems you read? Why or why not?
If you could write your own horrible poem, what would it be about?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about each poem, promoting emotional literacy.
Discuss the creativity behind the poems, asking your child what imaginative elements they noticed and appreciated.
Link the poems to real life by asking how the themes relate to everyday situations, fostering critical thinking.
Empathize with the different characters from the poems by asking your child how they would feel in similar situations, enhancing empathy.
Celebrate your child's responses, affirming their insights and perspectives to boost their self-confidence.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: Through humorous yet impactful poems, the characters in 'The Return of the Spot' display various emotions that encourage children to understand and empathize with others’ feelings.
Real-World Application: Children can apply empathy by acknowledging their friends' feelings during playtime or resolving conflicts, reinforcing a supportive social environment.
Example Lesson: Creativity
Explanation: The book’s whimsical and imaginative poems inspire children to think creatively and view the world from different, innovative perspectives.
Real-World Application: Creativity learned from the book can be channeled into art projects, storytelling, or even creative problem-solving tasks at school.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: Characters in the poems often face bizarre and challenging situations but manage to find humorous and clever solutions, demonstrating resilience.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children in adapting to new challenges, such as moving to a new school or learning a new skill, with a positive attitude.
Example Lesson: Appreciation for Literature
Explanation: The engaging and rhythmic nature of the poems in the book cultivates a love for reading and an appreciation for poetry and literature.
Real-World Application: Fostering an appreciation for literature can encourage children to explore more books, enhancing their vocabulary and reading skills.
Example Lesson: Moral Reflection
Explanation: Several poems present quirky scenarios with underlying moral questions, prompting children to reflect on right and wrong.
Real-World Application: Children can use these reflections to navigate everyday moral decisions at home and in school, developing a strong sense of ethics.