I Dare You
What’s inside...
This very scary, very silly book will have young children roaring with laughter as they dare each other to touch the hair of a spider, the belly of a monster, the sticky tongue of a snake, and many more icky parts of creepy creatures! But who will be brave enough to turn to the last page to see the spookiest monster of all? The truly courageous will be rewarded with a shockingly hilarious—yet eerily familiar—surprise!
Age
3-5
Length
16 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What was your favorite challenge in the book, and why?
How do you think the character felt when they tried something new?
What is something daring you would like to try?
How do you think trying new things can help us grow?
If you could create a dare for someone else, what would it be and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate the challenges in the book to their own experiences by sharing your own stories of trying new things.
Discuss the emotions associated with daring activities—such as excitement, fear, and joy—to help your child understand and manage their feelings.
Praise your child for their courage in discussing and trying new things, reinforcing the positive aspects of curiosity and bravery.
Use the book’s themes to brainstorm fun, real-life daring activities that you can do together as a family.
Highlight the lessons learned from each challenge in the book, discussing how each experience can lead to personal growth and new opportunities.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage to Try New Things
Explanation: In 'I Dare You', the protagonist faces various challenges that encourage stepping out of comfort zones. Through engaging storytelling, the character's journey exemplifies the importance of embracing new experiences.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by participating in new activities at school or trying new hobbies, helping them grow in confidence and resilience.
Example Lesson: Importance of Friendship
Explanation: Throughout the book, the protagonist relies on friends for support and encouragement in facing dares. This interaction highlights the value of having a supportive social circle.
Real-World Application: Kids learn to value and nurture friendships, which can lead to more supportive and cooperative relationships in their own lives.
Example Lesson: Understanding and Respecting Limits
Explanation: While the book promotes trying new things, it also teaches that it's okay to say no when uncomfortable. This balance respects personal boundaries and the importance of consent.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children that while it's good to push boundaries sometimes, they should always listen to their instincts and say no when something doesn’t feel right.
Example Lesson: Perseverance Through Challenges
Explanation: The dares presented in the story become progressively challenging, demonstrating the theme of perseverance. By not giving up, the protagonist learns valuable life skills.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to keep trying in the face of difficulties, whether it be learning a new skill, solving a tough problem, or working through a disagreement.