Who Caught the Yawn? and Where Did the Sneeze Go?: Two stories from the life of Max
What’s inside...
Max is a red-haired little boy who experiences two interesting phenomena in this two-in-one book. In 'Who Caught the Yawn?', Max unintentionally spreads his yawn to everyone he encounters throughout the day, from his pre-school to his family. In 'Where Did the Sneeze Go?', Max spends a week with an irritated nose, unable to sneeze despite multiple triggers until the perfect moment arrives. Both stories explore daily and weekly routines, offering children a chance to learn about colors, days of the week, and the concept of 'same' and 'different'. The illustrations by Todd Sharp provide a humorous and detailed backdrop, making it an excellent resource for home and classroom discussion.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-7
Length
36 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Max felt when he caught the yawn and the sneeze went missing?
What would you do if you were in Max’s shoes and you caught a yawn?
Can you think of a time when something unexpected happened to you? How did you handle it?
Why do you think it’s important for Max to find out where the sneeze went?
What do you think is the best part of Max’s adventure?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate the story to their own experiences, which helps personalize the themes and enhances comprehension. Ask them to imagine alternative endings or different scenarios to foster creativity. Utilize expressive reading techniques, like changing your voice for different characters, to make the story more engaging and fun. Finally, highlight the importance of curiosity and problem-solving as demonstrated by Max in the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: In 'Who Caught the Yawn?', when Max sees his friends yawning, he learns how his actions can affect others, fostering a sense of empathy.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by noticing how their actions influence their friends and family, and by being considerate of others' feelings and reactions.
Example Lesson: Cause and Effect
Explanation: In 'Where Did the Sneeze Go?', Max’s journey to find where his sneeze went teaches him about the consequences of actions in a whimsical way.
Real-World Application: This understanding helps children grasp the concept of cause and effect in their daily activities, enhancing their decision-making skills.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Exploration
Explanation: Both stories incite curiosity as Max explores his environment and seeks answers to his questions, encouraging a love for learning.
Real-World Application: Children learn to be inquisitive and explore the world around them, which is vital for intellectual and personal growth.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: Max's adventures require him to think critically and solve problems, such as tracking down the mysterious paths of yawns and sneezes.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply problem-solving skills in challenges they face at school or in social settings, boosting their confidence and resilience.