on Goodreads (2)
What’s inside...
Ben has cerebral palsy and a desire to challenge everyone's expectations. He decides to take part in a stand up comedy show. But will he manage to go through with it? An insightful and thought-provoking read. Barrington Stoke specialize in books for reluctant, struggling and dyslexic readers. All his life, people have made fun of Ben. Now he wants them to laugh at him - he's in a comedy show! But when it's his turn in the spotlight, Ben won't tell the kind of jokes that hurt people. Is there another way to make people laugh?
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
8-12
Length
66 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What was the funniest part of the story for you, and why did it make you laugh?
How do the characters in the book handle tricky situations? Can you think of a time when you solved a problem in a similar way?
If you could be friends with any character from the book, who would it be and what would you do together?
What do you think the main message of the story is? How can we apply it to our daily lives?
How would you change the story if you were the author? What new adventures would you create for the characters?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressions and voice modulation to make the reading more entertaining and attentive to the funny elements of the story.
After reading, relate scenarios from the book to real-life situations your child might encounter to reinforce the messages.
Encourage your child to draw their favorite scene or character. This can lead to a deeper discussion about why they made that choice.
Ask your child to predict what might happen next right before turning the page, fostering their imagination and anticipation.
Praise your child for their thoughts and responses to cultivate an environment where they feel comfortable expressing themselves.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The value of teamwork
Explanation: In 'Funny Business,' the characters work together to solve a problem, demonstrating the power of collaboration.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by participating in group activities at school or in sports, learning to cooperate and achieve common goals with their peers.
Example Lesson: Importance of creativity
Explanation: The book highlights how thinking outside the box can lead to success in challenging situations.
Real-World Application: Kids can be encouraged to use their imagination in their daily activities and problem-solving, which fosters innovative thinking skills.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of challenges
Explanation: Characters in 'Funny Business' encounter setbacks but keep trying, teaching persistence.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand the importance of persevering through their own challenges, be it in academics, sports, or personal goals.
Example Lesson: Understanding different perspectives
Explanation: The book showcases various viewpoints of characters, promoting empathy and understanding.
Real-World Application: Children learn to consider others' feelings and viewpoints, aiding social interactions and conflict resolution in real life.