Trick or Treat, Old Armadillo
#2 in Old Armadillo Series
What’s inside...
Halloween is full of surprises. Old Armadillo hears the distant sound of laugher and voices as children scamper from house to house. He sets jack-o'-lanterns on the edges of the flagstones. Inside his casita, he settles down before the fire with a mug of hot cocoa and his favorite book of ghost stories, waiting for goblins, pirates, and princesses to come knocking. He is ready for Halloween. Old Armadillo waits and waits and wonders if he ever will be visited by trick-or-treaters. Meanwhile, outside, Roadrunner, Bear, Peccary, and other friends are planning a Halloween surprise for Old Armadillo. But when friends knock on his door, they find another surprise in store. Old Armadillo and his friends from Merry Christmas, Old Armadillo have returned for another holiday. Includes a glossary of Spanish words.
Discussion points
What do you think Old Armadillo was feeling when he heard the noises outside his house?
Why do you think the friends wanted to surprise Old Armadillo?
How do you feel when you surprise someone or get surprised?
What was your favorite part of the trick or treat adventure and why?
If you were one of Old Armadillo's friends, what would you have worn as a costume?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story, relating it to their own experiences with surprises or Halloween. Use open-ended questions to explore themes of friendship and celebrations. Highlight the fun and creativity in choosing costumes, just like Old Armadillo’s friends did. Lastly, enjoy the shared reading experience by perhaps planning a small surprise or treat for your child afterwards, connecting the joy from the book to real life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of friendship
Explanation: In 'Trick or Treat, Old Armadillo', the story revolves around friends who come together to surprise Old Armadillo for Halloween, showing how friends look out for each other and create joyful moments.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to value and nurture their friendships by planning activities and supporting each other in daily interactions.
Example Lesson: Embracing traditions
Explanation: The book highlights the celebration of Halloween traditions, as Old Armadillo’s friends come in costumes and bring treats, showing the joy in cultural festivities.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to participate in family and cultural traditions, fostering a sense of community and belonging.
Example Lesson: Overcoming fears
Explanation: Old Armadillo initially feels lonely and slightly afraid as Halloween approaches, but the support of his friends helps him overcome his fears and join the celebration.
Real-World Application: This teaches children that it's okay to feel scared and that seeking support from loved ones can help overcome their fears.
Example Lesson: Creativity and imagination
Explanation: The imaginative costumes and playful Halloween decorations in the book showcase creative expression.
Real-World Application: Children learn to express themselves creatively, whether through crafting their own costumes or imagining playful scenarios.