What If He Crawls Away?
What’s inside...
Enter the concealed world of a child's grief revealed through the curious, honest questions of a young girl who lost her baby brother to cancer. Find healing dialogue for processing illness, death and grief.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-10
Length
56 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the little turtle is feeling when he decides to crawl away?
How do you think the story would change if the turtle chose a different path?
Why is it important for the turtle to explore? What does he learn?
Can you think of a time when you tried something new? How did it make you feel?
How do you think the turtle’s friends and family feel about his adventure?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the turtle’s journey.
Relate the turtle’s experiences to your child’s life by discussing similar emotions or situations they have faced.
Ask your child to predict what might happen next in the story to encourage critical thinking.
Discuss the importance of trying new things and the lessons we can learn from them.
Finish by asking your child what they would do if they were in the turtle’s place, fostering empathy and decision-making skills.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in facing fears
Explanation: The protagonist, a timid hamster, ventures out of his cage to explore the world despite his fears.
Real-World Application: Children learn to confront their fears and step out of their comfort zones, whether it be trying new activities or making new friends.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: As the hamster encounters various creatures, he learns to understand their perspectives and challenges.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to appreciate the feelings and situations of others around them, fostering a sense of empathy.
Example Lesson: Importance of home and safety
Explanation: Throughout his journey, the hamster realizes the importance of his safe home and returns to it after his adventures.
Real-World Application: Children are reminded of the security their home provides and the importance of safety in unfamiliar environments.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and exploration
Explanation: The book highlights how the hamster's curiosity leads him to new experiences and friendships.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to be inquisitive and explore their world, leading to a better understanding and personal growth.
Example Lesson: Responsibility and decision-making
Explanation: The hamster makes several decisions on his journey, learning from the consequences of his choices.
Real-World Application: Children learn about taking responsibility for their actions and the importance of thoughtful decision-making.