Too Much Trouble
What’s inside...
Tink believes that all her bad luck stems from the fact that she has red hair, until she finds herself facing a punishment that could mean her hair brings her good luck. Is Tink's red hair a jinx? Tink is sure of it, because all of her great ideas always lead to trouble. Half-tone illustrations.
Age
8-10
Length
136 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think about the adventures Tom and Ellie had? Would you have done anything differently if you were in their shoes?
How did Tom and Ellie handle the problems they faced? What can we learn from their problem-solving skills?
Why is it important to have a family or friends to support you when you are in trouble?
What do you think was the most challenging obstacle for Tom and Ellie, and how did they overcome it?
How did the story make you feel when Tom and Ellie found solutions to their troubles?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing your own thoughts on the book's themes and ask your child to express what they found most interesting or exciting about the story.
Encourage empathy by asking how your child might feel in the situations Tom and Ellie faced, promoting a deeper connection to the characters' emotions.
Utilize the book’s situations as teachable moments to discuss the value of resilience and creativity in overcoming challenges.
After discussing each question, encourage your child to think about how the themes of the book relate to their own life experiences.
Reinforce problem-solving skills by brainstorming together about different ways Tom and Ellie could have handled their challenges.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: In 'Too Much Trouble', the main characters learn to take responsibility for their actions when their mischief leads to unexpected consequences.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by owning up to their actions and understanding the effects they have on others, fostering accountability and maturity.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: The story highlights how the characters achieve more when they work together to solve problems, showcasing the power of collaboration.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to cooperate with others in school projects or team sports, enhancing their social skills and ability to work in a group.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: Throughout the book, the characters face challenges that require creative solutions, demonstrating the importance of thinking critically and innovatively.
Real-World Application: Children learn to approach obstacles in their life with a problem-solving mindset, whether it's resolving conflicts with peers or tackling difficult tasks.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: As the characters interact and face various troubles, they learn to understand and share the feelings of others, an essential aspect of building relationships.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children develop their emotional intelligence, improving how they relate to and empathize with classmates and family members.