When Grandad Was a Penguin
on Goodreads (114)
What’s inside...
In 'When Grandad Was a Penguin', we follow the story of a child who notices something quite unusual about their grandad – he seems to have turned into a penguin! The humorous and delightful narrative explores the confusion and fun that ensues when the grandad starts exhibiting penguin-like behavior. It's a quirky tale that delves into themes of aging, the special bond between grandparents and grandchildren, and the power of imagination. With charming illustrations and a light-hearted approach to the subject matter, Morag Hood creates a world where the lines between human and animal blur, leading to a funny and endearing adventure.
Age
2-5
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
The Child
Penguin
Grandad
Discussion points
What do you think it would be like if one of our family members turned into an animal?
How do you think the boy felt when he noticed something was different about his grandad?
Why is it important to help someone when they are confused or in trouble, like the boy helped his grandad?
What would you do if you found a penguin in your home like in the story?
How do you think the story would change if the boy hadn't realized his grandad was a penguin?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the characters and events in the story, which helps develop empathy. Use the illustrations as a talking point to enhance understanding and engagement. Relate the story to personal experiences or family memories to make connections that are meaningful. Praise your child’s responses to build confidence in their interpretation and analytical skills.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of family bonds
Explanation: The story showcases a child recognizing unusual changes in their grandad, suggesting a deep familial connection and concern.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of paying attention to family members' well-being and maintaining strong family relationships.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving and critical thinking
Explanation: The child in the book uses observation and critical thinking to solve the mystery of why grandad is behaving like a penguin.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to observe carefully and think critically when faced with unusual situations, using logic to find solutions.
Example Lesson: Embracing humor and positivity
Explanation: The humorous mix-up with the penguin adds fun and levity to the story, teaching children the importance of laughter.
Real-World Application: Helps children understand that humor can be a healthy way to deal with confusing or challenging situations.
Example Lesson: Acceptance and adaptability
Explanation: The child learns to adapt to the peculiar situation while figuring out a solution, showing resilience and acceptance.
Real-World Application: Teaches children to be adaptable and open to change, even when things don't go as expected.