Who's Afraid of the Big Bad Book?
on Goodreads (1,024)
What’s inside...
Herb never imagined the dangers when he decided to scribble on and cut up his book of fairy tales. Drawing mustaches on the characters, pasting telephones into the rooms, and cutting out Prince Charming and the royal thrones had seemed like good fun. But then Herb never imagined he'd fall into the book one night. After contending with a petulant Goldilocks, a very angry wicked stepmother, and a disappointed Cinderella, all Herb wants to do is find his way off the page. If only he can escape the book, he can make everything happily ever after again... sort of. With exuberant collage illustrations and a hilarious text, award-winning author and illustrator Lauren Child has created a wild and irreverent romp through the land of fairy tales.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
2-6
Length
36 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What would you do if you found yourself inside a storybook like Herb?
How did Herb’s actions change the course of the story? What does this tell us about our own choices?
Why is it important to treat books with care? How do you feel when something you value is not treated well?
How do the characters in the book react to changes in their stories? How do you react to unexpected changes in your life?
What did you learn about courage from Herb’s adventures in the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage empathy by asking how your child would feel in Herb's situation, this helps in understanding the character's emotions.
Discuss the consequences of Herb’s actions, linking them to everyday decisions and their outcomes.
Highlight the importance of responsibility through Herb’s mishandling of the books, relating it back to caring for personal belongings.
Invite your child to imagine alternative endings or different actions that characters could have taken, enhancing creative thinking.
Use Herb’s adventures as a springboard to talk about bravery and facing fears, drawing parallels to real-life situations your child might encounter.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Respect for books and property
Explanation: The story highlights the chaos that ensues when books and other people's belongings aren't treated carefully.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of treating their own and others’ belongings with care, helping to foster a sense of responsibility and respect.
Example Lesson: Creativity and imagination
Explanation: The protagonist’s journey through different book worlds showcases the power of imagination and creativity.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to use their imagination freely which can enhance problem-solving skills and provide a creative outlet.
Example Lesson: Consequences of actions
Explanation: The character faces various challenges as a result of their actions within the book, teaching that actions have consequences.
Real-World Application: Helps children understand that their choices impact themselves and others, promoting thoughtful decision-making.
Example Lesson: Importance of problem solving
Explanation: Throughout the book, the protagonist must solve problems to fix the mess created and return things to normal.
Real-World Application: This can motivate children to face challenges head-on and develop critical thinking skills in everyday situations.