Rick's Gum and The Red Pot
illustrations by
What’s inside...
Follow the whimsical journey of Rick, a curious boy who discovers a magical red pot in his backyard. With his magical gum, he embarks on a series of fantastical adventures, meeting peculiar characters and learning valuable lessons along the way.
Age
8-12
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think Rick felt when he found the red pot?
Why is it important to share with others, like Rick did with his gum?
How would you solve a problem similar to the one Rick faced?
What did you learn about being kind from this story?
Can you think of a time when you helped someone and how it made you feel?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate personal experiences to Rick’s story to deepen their understanding of the themes.
Ask your child to imagine alternative endings to the story, fostering creativity and critical thinking.
Discuss the feelings and motivations of different characters to help your child develop empathy and emotional intelligence.
Use the themes of sharing and kindness in the book to lead into a discussion about these values in your child’s daily life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of Sharing
Explanation: In the story, Rick learns the value of sharing his gum with friends to help fix a broken pot, demonstrating teamwork and generosity.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by sharing their toys or snacks with friends, fostering a positive community spirit among peers.
Example Lesson: Creativity in Problem Solving
Explanation: The characters use unconventional methods like using gum to repair a pot, which encourages thinking outside the box.
Real-World Application: Kids can be encouraged to think creatively when faced with challenges, whether in school projects or daily hurdles.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Rick takes responsibility for the broken pot and actively seeks a solution, showcasing accountability for one’s actions.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to own up to their mistakes and work towards correcting them, valuable in both academic and personal growth.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: The story illustrates how working together can achieve greater results, as seen when the children collectively fix the broken pot.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to collaborate effectively in team activities at school or in sports, understanding that combined efforts often lead to success.