Toad
on Goodreads (115)
What’s inside...
Toad is a slimy, ugly creature, but he's happy to go catching flies, crunching bugs and oozing in and out of marshy, smelly bogs. However, he is short-sighted and one day when searching for more food he stumbles into the jaws of a passing monster. The slimy, sticky toad gets swallowed for dinner by a monster and then, surprisingly, is spat back out, in an amusing tale with rhyming text and detailed, watercolor illustrations.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-6
Length
26 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think Toad was feeling when he discovered he was different? How would you feel if you were in his position?
Why do you think the other animals reacted the way they did when they met Toad? How important is it to be kind to someone who looks different?
What do you think is the message of the story? How can we apply this message in our daily lives?
If you were Toad, how would you have handled the situation differently? What can we learn from Toad's experiences?
How did Toad change by the end of the book? What does it teach us about growth and change?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the book. Listen actively without interrupting, showing empathy and understanding. Ask follow-up questions to delve deeper into your child’s perspective. Relate the book’s themes to your child’s own experiences to make the story more relevant and engaging. Highlight the moral lessons in the story and discuss how they align with the values you want to instill in your child.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: Throughout 'Toad', readers see the world from the perspective of the titular toad, making it easier to sympathize with his challenges and triumphs.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by understanding and sharing the feelings of their peers, promoting kindness and cooperation.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: The toad in the story faces various obstacles but perseveres and adapts to his surroundings, showcasing the importance of resilience.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children to overcome difficulties in their own lives, whether at school or in relationships, through persistence and determination.
Example Lesson: Importance of Nature
Explanation: The story emphasizes the beauty and complexity of natural habitats through its detailed illustrations and narrative focused on the toad's environment.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate and care for the environment, understanding the role of every creature, including themselves, in maintaining the ecological balance.
Example Lesson: Curiosity
Explanation: The toad's journey is driven by his curiosity, which leads him to explore his surroundings and learn from the situations he encounters.
Real-World Application: Encouraging children to be curious about the world around them, fostering a love for learning and discovery.
Example Lesson: Adaptability
Explanation: As the toad encounters different scenarios, he adapts to his changing circumstances, demonstrating flexibility.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand the importance of adapting to change, whether it’s a new school, a new sibling, or other changes in their life.