Aldrin Adams and the Cheese Nightmares
#1 of 2 in Aldrin Adams Adventure Series
What’s inside...
Aldrin Adams is an ordinary boy with an extraordinary superpower in the children's book by Paul Howard, illustrated by Lee Cosgrove. After eating cheese before sleep, Aldrin can enter people's dreams and nightmares. As he grapples with understanding the purpose of his power, he learns that a supernatural villain is creating nightmares for children worldwide. With only his pet frog and the world's stinkiest cheese as aids, Aldrin must confront this malevolent force. This humorous and heartwarming adventure, perfect for fans of David Baddiel and Sam Copeland, was shortlisted for the Children's Book of the Year at the Irish Book Awards.
Discussion points
Why do you think Aldrin Adams started having cheese nightmares?
How do you think Aldrin felt when he discovered his superpower, and what would you do if you had a similar one?
What are some ways Aldrin could have handled his fears about nightmares?
How did Aldrin’s friends and family help him through his adventures?
If you could give Aldrin one piece of advice, what would it be?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about nightmares and discuss personal experiences to create a supportive atmosphere.
Explore the concept of 'superpowers' by asking your child what superpower they would like to have and why.
Prompt your child to think about empathy and support by discussing how Aldrin’s relationships influenced his journey.
Use examples from the book to teach problem-solving skills by discussing different ways Aldrin could resolve challenges.
Reinforce the value of facing fears by asking your child about a time they overcame something that scared them.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of facing fears
Explanation: Aldrin Adams confronts his nightmarish experiences with cheese, learning to face his fears rather than avoiding them.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by tackling their own fears, whether it's fear of the dark, starting a new school, or trying new activities, helping them to grow in confidence and resilience.
Example Lesson: The value of problem-solving
Explanation: Throughout the book, Aldrin uses critical thinking and creativity to navigate his cheesy nightmares, demonstrating the effectiveness of problem-solving.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to apply similar critical thinking skills in their everyday challenges, be it homework, puzzles, or interpersonal conflicts, enhancing their cognitive abilities.
Example Lesson: Understanding consequences
Explanation: Aldrin learns that his actions, like eating too much cheese before bed, have direct consequences, such as nightmares, which teaches him about causality.
Real-World Application: Children learn that their choices, such as eating healthy or how they treat others, have consequences, promoting responsible decision-making.
Example Lesson: Empathy and support
Explanation: Aldrin receives support from friends and family throughout his ordeal, highlighting the importance of empathy and community.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand the value of supporting others who are facing difficulties, fostering a sense of empathy and community in their own lives.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: Despite the recurring nightmares, Aldrin keeps trying different solutions, showcasing his perseverance.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of persistence when facing difficult situations, encouraging them not to give up easily in the face of adversity.