The Santa Trap
What’s inside...
Bradley Bartelby is a naughty and spoiled child known for his bad behavior. Santa Claus is aware of this, and when Bradley finds only a pair of socks in his Christmas stocking, he decides to take drastic measures. Bradley sets up a dangerous trap for Santa Claus, complete with guillotines, dynamite, and tigers, in an attempt to get back at him. The story leaves readers wondering whether Santa will be able to escape Bradley's treacherous trap.
Age
2-6
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Bradley Bartleby
Discussion points
What do you think Bradley learned by the end of the story?
How would you feel if you were in Santa’s shoes during the trap?
Why do you think Bradley wanted to trap Santa, and how do his actions affect others?
What would you have done differently if you were Bradley?
Can you think of a time when something didn’t go as planned, just like Bradley’s trap?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive read-aloud techniques to bring the story to life and keep your child engaged.
Ask your child to predict what might happen next at various points during the story to enhance their analytical skills.
After reading, relate the story to your child’s experiences, asking if they’ve ever set up a plan that didn’t work out as expected.
Discuss the consequences of Bradley’s actions and encourage your child to think about alternative actions and their potential outcomes.
Emphasize the importance of understanding how our actions can affect others, fostering empathy and social awareness.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Problem-solving and resilience
Explanation: The character Bradley devises numerous intricate traps to catch Santa, showcasing his creativity and problem-solving skills.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to tackle challenges creatively and not give up easily, applying these skills in school projects or difficult tasks.
Example Lesson: Consequences of actions
Explanation: Bradley's elaborate plans ultimately lead to unintended negative consequences, demonstrating that actions have repercussions.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to consider the potential effects of their actions on themselves and others before acting.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: Through the unfolding events, Bradley experiences a range of outcomes based on his actions, which can teach children about understanding other people's feelings.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to put themselves in someone else's shoes, helping them to build better relationships and social skills.
Example Lesson: Importance of trust
Explanation: The storyline underscores how trust is broken when Bradley tries to trap Santa, and the efforts needed to rebuild it.
Real-World Application: Children understand the value of trust and the importance of maintaining it with honest actions in their interactions.