The Hillcrest Hooligans: Book One: Bella Donna Dangle
#1 in Hillcrest Hooligans Series
on Goodreads (4)
What’s inside...
Telling lies might seem like harmless fun, but Bella Donna Dangle finds out just how much trouble a lie can become. She thinks she's so clever and she spins quite the story, all about a monster that makes cheese and salami! Find out how Bella's tall tale becomes a big problem for the whole town and how she must own up to her mistake. The debut of The Hillcrest Hooligans perfectly encapsulates the fun and adventure of growing up. Perfect to use as bed time stories or as moral additions to help explain difficult topics to your kids. These are children's books that are balanced with educational stimulation and magical excitement by combining elements of word play with rhythm and rhyme! We hope you enjoy the first in the series, The Hillcrest Hooligans: Bella Donna Dangle.
Discussion points
What do you think Bella Donna Dangle learned about friendship throughout the story?
How did the characters' actions affect those around them, and what would you have done differently?
What are some ways that the Hillcrest Hooligans showed teamwork or solved problems together?
How do you feel about the choices Bella made? Do you think they were good or bad decisions?
If you could have a magical power like one of the Hooligans, what would it be and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use pauses after each question to give your child enough time to think about their answers, showing that their thoughts are valuable.
Relate the questions to real-life situations to help your child connect with the story on a personal level, improving their empathy and critical thinking skills.
Encourage your child to ask their own questions about the story to foster curiosity and active engagement.
Praise your child for their insights, no matter how small, to boost their confidence in expressing their thoughts and opinions.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Diversity
Explanation: In 'The Hillcrest Hooligans: Book One: Bella Donna Dangle,' the diverse cast of characters, each with unique backgrounds and abilities, teaches children the importance of embracing and celebrating differences.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate diversity in their own communities and schools, fostering environments of inclusion and acceptance.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Collaboration
Explanation: Throughout the story, the Hooligans must work together to solve challenges, illustrating the power of teamwork and collective problem-solving.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply this lesson by engaging in group activities that require cooperation, whether in sports, school projects, or play.
Example Lesson: Resilience in Facing Challenges
Explanation: Bella Donna Dangle and her friends encounter various obstacles but show resilience by not giving up, teaching readers about perseverance.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to persist through difficulties they encounter, be it in completing a tough homework assignment or resolving conflicts with peers.
Example Lesson: Importance of Kindness
Explanation: Characters in the book often extend kindness to one another, even in difficult situations, highlighting the impact of compassionate actions.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to act kindly towards others in their daily interactions, promoting a positive and supportive community environment.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Imagination
Explanation: The imaginative scenarios in 'The Hillcrest Hooligans' inspire creativity, showing kids the value of thinking outside the box.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to engage in creative activities like drawing, storytelling, or imaginative play, enhancing cognitive flexibility and problem-solving skills.