The Toys' Easter Surprise
on Goodreads (9)
What’s inside...
The toys are on an Easter egg hunt around the house and garden when they meet the Easter Bunny and his chick helpers, and learn an important lesson about taking things that do not belong to them. A beautifully illustrated follow-up to Susannah Ronchi's titles: The Toy's Night Before Christmas and The Little Christmas Tree.
Discussion points
What do you think the toys felt when they discovered the Easter surprise?
Why do you think the toys wanted to create a surprise?
How do you think the toys worked together to make the surprise?
If you were one of the toys, what would you have done differently?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the toys' actions and teamwork. Ask them to relate the story to their own experiences with surprises or teamwork. You can also discuss the importance of sharing and caring, as shown by the toys in the story. Use illustrations in the book as a visual aid to help deepen the discussion. Finally, reinforce the fun and joy of reading together by expressing enthusiasm and interest in your child’s responses.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Sharing and cooperation
Explanation: In 'The Toys' Easter Surprise,' the toys work together to organize a special Easter hunt for their owner. Their cooperation showcases the importance of working together to achieve a common goal.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by collaborating with siblings or classmates in group activities or projects, fostering a spirit of teamwork and shared achievement.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: The story highlights how the toys carefully consider what would make their owner happy, demonstrating empathy and thoughtfulness.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to consider the feelings and needs of others, promoting empathy in interactions at school or in the family.
Example Lesson: Creativity and problem-solving
Explanation: The toys come up with creative ideas and solutions to set up the Easter hunt, which demonstrates their ability to think outside the box and solve problems.
Real-World Application: Children learn to use creativity to overcome obstacles and challenges in their daily lives, whether in creative play, school tasks, or interpersonal relationships.
Example Lesson: Joy in giving
Explanation: The toys experience joy in planning and executing the surprise for their owner, emphasizing the joy found in doing something nice for others.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value and happiness that can come from giving to others and can encourage them to partake in acts of kindness within their communities.