Cuthbert's Babies
on Goodreads (34)
What’s inside...
Cuthbert loves being the centre of attention, but when his mum and dad bring home four baby sisters no-one seems to have time for him anymore. Cuthbert wishes for someone big and bad to play with and, out at sea, in their dreams, three pirates hear his call. When Cuthbert's mother brings home not one baby brother, but four baby sisters, Cuthbert feels neglected and hopes for adventurous playmates. His wish is answered when three pirates from his dreams come to life, ready to cause mischief and mayhem with him.
Age
3-5
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Cuthbert
The Babies
Discussion points
How do you think Cuthbert felt when he met the babies for the first time?
What are some ways Cuthbert helped take care of the babies?
Can you think of a time when you helped someone smaller or younger than you? What did you do?
Why is it important to be kind and helpful to others?
What would you do if you were in Cuthbert's place?
Tip: Role play these questions
Allow your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story without interruption.
Relate the scenarios in the book to your child’s personal experiences to make the discussion more relatable.
Encourage your child to imagine alternative endings or scenarios to develop creative thinking.
Highlight the moral lessons in the story and discuss how they can be applied in real life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: The story showcases how Cuthbert's babies understand and share the feelings of others, teaching empathy through their interactions.
Real-World Application: Children learn to be considerate and understand the emotions of their peers, which can enhance their social interactions and friendships.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Cuthbert's Babies are tasked with different duties that they must fulfill, demonstrating the importance of responsibility.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to take ownership of their tasks such as homework or chores, instilling a sense of duty and accomplishment.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: Throughout the book, the babies work together to solve problems, highlighting the effectiveness of collaborative effort.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson in group activities at school or play, learning that teamwork can lead to success and better solve problems.
Example Lesson: Creativity
Explanation: The babies often use creative thinking to resolve challenges, showing the value of thinking outside the box.
Real-World Application: This inspires children to use their imagination and creativity to tackle various situations in their daily lives, from school projects to personal hobbies.