illustrations by
What’s inside...
A small girl finds some ingenious places to hide at bedtime. In a separate storyline, a book becomes a best-seller, despite the system not wanting people to read it.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
14-18
Length
20 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the main character feels when they find a good hiding spot?
Can you think of a time when you hid like the character? How did it make you feel?
Why do you think hiding can sometimes feel safe, or sometimes feel scary?
What are some other ways the characters could solve their problems besides hiding?
How do you think the story would change if the character never found a hiding place?
Tip: Role play these questions
Create a comfortable reading environment that mimics a 'hiding' space under a blanket or in a fort while discussing the book’s themes.
Validate your child's feelings about hiding by sharing your own experiences with hiding, whether playful or serious.
Ask your child to draw their ideal hiding spot and describe why they chose it, linking their thoughts to the story.
Encourage your child to predict what happens next in the story to foster their imagination and connection to the narrative.
Use expressive tones while discussing sensitive topics in the book to help your child understand and express their emotions.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of empathy
Explanation: In 'Hiding,' the character demonstrates understanding and concern for why someone may want to hide, fostering an empathetic attitude.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to recognize and respond to the feelings of others in school or play, helping them build stronger friendships.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: Through the narrative, the characters face and solve the challenge of finding a hidden friend, showcasing effective problem-solving methods.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to think creatively and logically to overcome obstacles in their daily activities or in resolving conflicts with peers.
Example Lesson: The value of teamwork
Explanation: The characters in the book work together to find their friend, demonstrating the benefits of collaborating towards a common goal.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by engaging in team activities at school or in sports, learning to cooperate and value each team member’s input.
Example Lesson: The joy of play and imagination
Explanation: The book celebrates the fun and imaginative play involved in the game of hide and seek, emphasizing creative play.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to engage more in imaginative play, enhancing their creativity and ability to entertain themselves and others.
Example Lesson: Respect for others' space and boundaries
Explanation: In the story, characters learn to respect when someone needs time alone or hidden away, reflecting the respect for personal boundaries.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of respecting others' needs for space, whether physical or emotional, in real life interactions.