Excuses, Excuses!
What’s inside...
This book is filled with hilarious and creative excuses for every situation, providing a wide range of outlandish explanations that even seasoned excuse-makers would find impressive. It is designed to entertain children with funny excuses and silly illustrations, featuring 96 pages of wacky drawings and amusing scenarios. Whether it's avoiding chores or explaining a messy room, this book has an excuse ready, making it a great pick for kids who love a good laugh.
Age
6-10
Length
96 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Why do you think the characters in the book made excuses?
How did the characters feel after making excuses, and how did it affect others around them?
Can you think of a time when you made an excuse? How did it make you feel?
What could the characters have done differently instead of making excuses?
How can we apply what we learned from this story to our daily lives?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think about the implications of making excuses by relating it to their own experiences. Maintain a consistent and open dialogue that allows your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story. Reinforce the values of honesty and responsibility by discussing alternative actions the characters could have taken. Finally, emphasize that making mistakes is a natural part of life and the importance lies in how we address and learn from them.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Accountability
Explanation: In 'Excuses, Excuses!', the main character frequently comes up with creative excuses to avoid responsibilities. Through various scenarios, the story illustrates the consequences of not owning up to one’s actions.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of taking responsibility for their actions rather than making excuses. This helps them develop integrity and reliability, important traits for personal and academic success.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Imagination
Explanation: Throughout the book, the character’s excuses are wildly imaginative, showcasing the power of creativity. While used humorously for excuses, the book subtly underscores the positive applications of a vivid imagination.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to use their imagination constructively in problem-solving and storytelling, enhancing their creative thinking skills.
Example Lesson: Consequences of Actions
Explanation: Each excuse leads to a specific consequence, not always intended by the protagonist. This narrative thread helps convey the message that actions have consequences.
Real-World Application: Teaches children to think ahead about the potential outcomes of their actions, promoting foresight and mindfulness in daily decisions.
Example Lesson: Honesty
Explanation: As the story progresses, it becomes clear that honesty is often the best policy. The protagonist learns that simpler truths are better received than elaborate falsehoods.
Real-World Application: Reinforces the value of honesty in building trust and maintaining relationships. It helps children understand that being truthful is respected and valued.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: The protagonist begins to realize that addressing a problem directly, rather than avoiding it through excuses, leads to better solutions.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to face challenges head-on and develop practical solutions rather than avoiding issues, fostering resilience and adaptability.