Horrid Henry and the Bogey Babysitter
#9 of 26 in Horrid Henry Series
What’s inside...
In 'Horrid Henry and the Bogey Babysitter,' Henry is challenged by his parents' hiring of the strict babysitter, Rabid Rebecca. Known for her tough discipline, Rebecca successfully manages to outsmart Henry's many schemes aimed at getting rid of her. Despite his pranks, Henry finds himself respecting Rebecca, as he learns that his actions have consequences. This humorous narrative portrays a clash of wills between a mischievous child and a stringent babysitter, exploring themes such as mischief, the consequences of one's actions, and gaining respect through overcoming adversity. Furthermore, the essays included in this volume utilize Simon E. Digby's work on South Asian medieval history and culture, providing methodological insights on analyzing historical texts, objects, and practices to understand shifts in culture and religion in medieval and early modern India.
Character compass
Horrid Henry
Perfect Peter
Rabid Rebecca
Discussion points
How do you think Henry felt when the new babysitter arrived? Can you relate to his feelings?
What are some ways Henry tries to deal with his situation? Do you think these were good choices?
If you were in Henry's shoes, how would you have handled the situation differently?
What do you think is the moral of the story? Why is it important to consider other people's feelings?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing a personal story about a time you dealt with a challenging situation, to make the theme more relatable.
Ask your child to imagine alternative endings to the story, enhancing their creative thinking.
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the book’s events, validating their emotions and thoughts.
Discuss the consequences of Henry’s actions and ask your child what they would have done, fostering problem-solving skills.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding consequences
Explanation: Throughout the book, Henry faces various consequences for his mischievous actions, helping children learn the importance of thinking before acting.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this understanding by considering the potential outcomes of their choices, helping them to make more thoughtful decisions.
Example Lesson: Empathy and perspective-taking
Explanation: As Henry interacts with different characters, readers see various emotional responses, which can teach children about understanding and considering the feelings of others.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children improve their social skills by encouraging them to think about how their actions might affect their peers in school or at home.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: Henry often devises creative solutions to avoid the consequences of his actions, which highlights the importance of critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to think creatively in their daily challenges, whether in academic tasks or personal conflicts.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: The story shows Henry facing the aftermath of his actions, teaching young readers about the importance of taking responsibility for their actions.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to own up to their mistakes and learn from them, fostering a sense of personal responsibility and integrity.