The Christmas Competition (The Christmas Carrolls, Book 2)
#2 of 3 in The Christmas Carrolls Series
What’s inside...
Funny, festive middle grade about the world's most Christmassy family from the founder of Authorfy, perfect for 8+ readers and fans of Matt Haig, Men Miller, Sibeal Pounder's 'Tinsel' and the Nativity! films. In the story, nine-year-old Holly Carroll and her family celebrate Christmas every day with their house decked out in fairy lights and Christmas trees, a carol-singing toilet, and a monkey who thinks he's a reindeer. Homeschooled Holly tries to spread cheer wherever she goes but faces challenges when she attends a new school with her Christmas-themed gear during a heatwave in September. When the neighbors attempt to remove Holly's family from the street and Holly learns about children who may not get a Christmas at all, her festive world begins to crumble. Holly must find a way to preserve her Christmas spirit and learn the true meaning of the holiday. 'THE CHRISTMAS CARROLLS' is a heartwarming, hilarious and inclusive tale about the power of spreading cheer, the magic of friendship and what really matters at this most wonderful time of year.
Discussion points
What did you think about the way the Carrolls celebrated Christmas? How is it similar or different from our celebrations?
How do you think each member of the Carroll family contributed to their Christmas competition?
If you were part of the competition, what unique idea would you bring to the Carroll’s Christmas?
What can we learn from the Christmas Carrolls about the importance of family during the holiday season?
How did the challenges in the competition make the Carroll family’s bond stronger? Can you think of a time when a challenge made our family closer?
Tip: Role play these questions
Utilize open-ended questions that allow your child to express their thoughts and emotions about the story, fostering deeper understanding and connection.
Discuss the various family traditions depicted in the book and compare them with your own family's traditions, making the conversation relatable and engaging.
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in the story and think about how they would react in similar situations, enhancing their empathy and creative thinking.
Highlight the theme of teamwork and family unity in the book, and relate it to your child’s experiences with family and friends to teach valuable social skills.
Use the book as an opportunity to discuss the broader meaning of competition and cooperation, reinforcing moral values and perspective-taking.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of teamwork
Explanation: In 'The Christmas Competition', the Carrolls participate in various festive challenges as a family. Throughout these events, they demonstrate the value of working together to achieve common goals.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson in their daily interactions at school or in sports, learning to collaborate with peers to complete projects or win games.
Example Lesson: Embracing the spirit of giving
Explanation: The story emphasizes the joy of gift giving more than receiving, highlighting the Carrolls' efforts to select thoughtful gifts for each other.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to think of others' happiness and can inspire them to practice generosity with friends and family during holidays or birthdays.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of challenges
Explanation: Throughout the competition, the Carrolls face and overcome various setbacks, showing persistence and optimism.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of perseverance and maintaining a positive attitude, even when they encounter difficulties in their own lives.
Example Lesson: Valuing traditions and family
Explanation: The Carrolls cherish their time-honored family traditions, which play a central role throughout the book.
Real-World Application: This can motivate children to appreciate and uphold their own family traditions, fostering a sense of belonging and identity.
Example Lesson: Healthy competition
Explanation: The book portrays competition in a positive light, focusing on fair play and the fun of participating, rather than just winning.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to engage in competitions healthily, focusing on personal growth and enjoyment instead of merely triumphing over others.