Tom's Den and The Big Trick: (Pink Early Reader)
Yellow umbrella books for early readers. Series
What’s inside...
Tom and his friends discover a hidden den in the woods and embark on an adventure filled with tricks, challenges, and unexpected twists as they solve a local mystery. These charming stories about Tom's attempts to build a fort and perform a magic trick will entertain young children as they practice their decoding skills.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think Tom felt when he discovered the big trick?
Why is it important to be honest with our friends, just like in the story?
How would you solve a problem like the one Tom faced?
What would you have done differently if you were in Tom's place?
Can you think of a time when you helped a friend like Tom did?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story, emphasizing there are no right or wrong answers.
Relate the scenarios in the book to real-life situations your child might encounter to make the discussion more relevant.
Ask follow-up questions based on your child's responses to dig deeper into their understanding and perspective.
Praise their insights and understanding to boost their confidence in expressing their opinions.
Use the discussion as an opportunity to teach important values highlighted in the book, such as honesty and friendship.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Honesty
Explanation: In the story, the main character learns the consequences of tricking friends and the importance of being honest. This is demonstrated when the trick backfires and causes confusion among friends.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the value of truthfulness in building trust and maintaining healthy relationships with friends and family members.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: The characters in the book have to work together to solve a problem caused by the trick, highlighting the power of collaboration and mutual support.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the importance of working together to achieve common goals, whether in school projects, sports, or family activities.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: After realizing the effects of the trick, the protagonist takes responsibility for their actions, which helps mend the situation.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to take responsibility for their actions and understanding that their choices have consequences.
Example Lesson: Forgiveness
Explanation: The story exemplifies forgiveness when the friends choose to forgive the main character, which helps restore their friendship.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of forgiving others, fostering resilience in relationships, and promoting a supportive social environment.
Example Lesson: Problem-Solving
Explanation: Throughout the book, the characters encounter various challenges that require creative problem-solving skills to resolve.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to apply critical thinking and creativity to navigate challenges in their daily lives, enhancing their decision-making skills.