The Thunk
illustrations by
What’s inside...
Join young explorer Hector on a rhyming adventure as he sets out to prove the existence of the Thunk, a mythical creature thought to be extinct. With his exploring gear and determination, Hector's journey is filled with wonders and stunning illustrations by Deborah Allwright. This enchanting book is perfect for fans of 'The Gruffalo' and 'Where the Wild Things Are', blending excitement and mythical elements in a beautifully illustrated story. Recognized as a BookTrust Great New Book of 2024-2025, it promises to capture the imaginations of readers everywhere.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
0-5
Length
123 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the Thunk feels when it tries to find where it belongs?
How did the characters in the book show kindness to the Thunk?
Can you relate to the Thunk feeling different or out of place? How would you handle it?
What would you do if you met someone like the Thunk? How would you help them?
Why do you think understanding and acceptance are important in the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
As you read 'The Thunk' with your child, pause at key moments to ask how they feel about the situation and if they have ever felt similar.
Encourage your child to think deeply about the themes by relating the story back to their own life or experiences with friends at school.
Highlight the actions of characters showing empathy and discuss with your child how they can apply these behaviors in their daily life.
After finishing the book, facilitate a role-play activity where your child pretends to be the Thunk or other characters to explore feelings and reactions.
Use expressive reading techniques, changing your tone and pace, to make the story more engaging and to emphasize the emotional journey of the characters.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing creativity
Explanation: The book 'The Thunk' showcases characters using their imagination to solve problems and create fun scenarios.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to use their imaginative skills to enhance their playtime or solve everyday issues creatively.
Example Lesson: Value of teamwork
Explanation: Throughout 'The Thunk,' characters work together to tackle challenges, highlighting the importance of collaboration.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of teamwork in school projects or family chores, fostering cooperation and mutual respect.
Example Lesson: Courage to face the unknown
Explanation: The protagonist faces a mysterious 'Thunk', representing the fear of unknown situations.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to approach new experiences, like the first day at a new school, with bravery and openness.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: As the story unfolds, the characters strategize to understand and deal with 'The Thunk', which helps in developing critical thinking.
Real-World Application: Kids are encouraged to apply logical thinking to overcome obstacles in their daily lives, such as resolving conflicts with peers.
Example Lesson: Enjoyment in reading
Explanation: The engaging narrative and intriguing mystery of 'The Thunk' keeps readers hooked, showing that reading can be a delightful adventure.
Real-World Application: This can motivate children to explore more books and develop a lifelong love for reading, enhancing their literacy skills.