The Unwelcome Surprise
on Goodreads (80)
What’s inside...
Perfect for fans of 'Something's Wrong!' and 'Can I Be Your Dog?', this charmingly funny new baby story by debut author/illustrator, Olga Herrera, explores the fears and joys that come with change. Every morning, Bongo walks downstairs to get his food, passing his dried-up potted plant, his old stained chair, and his stinky stained carpet. Until one morning...something is different! Something monstrous is in his way! Bongo is beside himself with worry; will it take his walks? What if it eats his food? Or even worse...what if it takes his family?!
Discussion points
How did the characters in 'The Unwelcome Surprise' react when they encountered something unexpected? What would you do in a similar situation?
What do you think is the main lesson the characters learned by the end of the book? Why is it important?
Can you think of a time when something surprising happened to you? How did it make you feel?
Why do you think the author chose to title the book 'The Unwelcome Surprise'? Do you think it fits the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use open-ended questions that encourage your child to think deeply about the events and the characters' reactions in the story.
Relate the themes of the book to your child’s own experiences to make the conversation more personal and relatable.
Discuss the moral of the story and why it's important to learn how to handle unexpected situations.
Encourage your child to express their feelings and thoughts about the book, promoting a deeper understanding and connection to the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of unexpected challenges
Explanation: The story showcases the protagonist's journey in overcoming sudden obstacles presented by an unwelcome surprise.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to adapt and find solutions when faced with unforeseen difficulties, whether it's a change in routine or a challenging school assignment.
Example Lesson: The value of empathy and understanding
Explanation: Through the interactions between characters, the book highlights the importance of considering others' feelings and perspectives.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to be mindful of their friends' and family members’ emotions, promoting deeper connections and a supportive environment.
Example Lesson: The importance of teamwork
Explanation: As the characters in the book come together to address the 'unwelcome surprise,' they demonstrate how collaboration can lead to success.
Real-World Application: This can be applied in a child's life through participating in group activities where cooperation is essential, such as team sports or group projects at school.
Example Lesson: Creativity as a problem-solving tool
Explanation: The characters use creative thinking to deal with the challenges posed by the unwelcome surprise.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to use their imagination to think outside the box and solve problems creatively, be it in their playtime scenarios or homework tasks.
Example Lesson: Acceptance of change
Explanation: The book conveys how changes, even those initially perceived as negative, can lead to positive outcomes and personal growth.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to embrace changes in life, such as moving to a new school or welcoming a new family member, with an open mind and positive attitude.