Toad Food and Measle Soup
#2 in Don't Be Mad, Ivy Series
What’s inside...
The adventures of Leo as he tries to change his image at school, endure his mother's new cooking, look for the right dog, and keep a lost dog. Offers young readers a reissue of five easy-to-read tales starring siblings Les and Eleanor as they deal with common childhood dilemmas, such as being late for a class assignment and having a stray dog follow them to their home.
Discussion points
How did you feel when the characters faced a problem? What would you have done in their situation?
What do you think the main message of the story was? Why is that message important?
Can you think of a time when you had to help a friend like the characters in the story?
How do the characters change from the beginning to the end of the book?
What was your favorite part of the story, and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading: Change your tone of voice to match the emotions and actions in the story, making the reading experience more dynamic and engaging.
Ask open-ended questions: Encourage your child to think critically about the story and relate it to their own experiences.
Connect themes to real life: Discuss how the themes in the book apply to everyday situations and the importance of values such as friendship, courage, and problem-solving.
Encourage empathy: Ask your child how they think the characters felt during key moments in the book and explore the reasons behind those feelings.
Pause for predictions: Before turning the page, ask your child what they think will happen next. This keeps them engaged and thinking ahead.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: In 'Toad Food and Measle Soup,' the protagonist learns to understand and empathize with friends who have different tastes and preferences.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by appreciating diverse perspectives among their peers, promoting inclusivity and understanding in social settings.
Example Lesson: Importance of Honesty
Explanation: The story showcases the consequences of dishonesty and the benefits of being truthful, particularly in the relationship between the main characters.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to practice honesty in their daily interactions, fostering trust and integrity in their relationships.
Example Lesson: Dealing with Disappointment
Explanation: Characters in the book face disappointments and learn to cope with them in a healthy and constructive manner.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to manage their expectations and develop resilience, helping them to navigate disappointments in school or social activities.
Example Lesson: Value of Family and Friends
Explanation: Throughout the book, the importance of supportive relationships with family and friends is highlighted as a key to solving problems and finding happiness.
Real-World Application: This emphasizes to children the importance of fostering strong bonds and relying on loved ones during challenging times.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Problem Solving
Explanation: The book encourages creative solutions to problems, as characters often need to think outside the box to resolve their challenges.
Real-World Application: This lesson can inspire children to use their imagination and creativity to overcome obstacles in school projects or personal endeavors.