The Unlikely Rise of Harry Sponge
illustrations by
What’s inside...
The Unlikely Rise of Harry Sponge is a whimsical tale of an ordinary kitchen sponge named Harry, who discovers his unique ability to absorb not just water, but knowledge and culture. Against all odds, Harry embarks on an educational and transformative journey across the world, soaking up languages, science, and art, eventually becoming a sensation in various fields from academic research to culinary arts. This charming story by Stephen Mangan is a heartwarming reminder that greatness can come from the most unexpected places.
Age
8-12
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Why do you think Harry Sponge was considered 'unlikely' to rise? What qualities did he show that helped him succeed?
How did Harry Sponge's friends influence his journey? Can you think of ways your friends help you?
What challenges did Harry face and how did he overcome them? Have you faced similar challenges in your life?
What lessons can we learn from Harry Sponge about perseverance and bravery?
How do you think the story would change if it happened in our town?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, ask your child what they think the book might be about based on the cover and title. This activates their imagination and sets the stage for engagement.
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story’s events, relating them to their own experiences where possible.
Post-reading, relate the themes of the book to real-life situations or current events to deepen understanding and relevance.
Praise your child for their insights and encourage them to ask their own questions about the story, promoting critical thinking.
Consider reenacting parts of the story or drawing favorite scenes together, making the shared reading experience more interactive and memorable.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: Harry Sponge shows resilience as he overcomes obstacles despite his unlikely odds, learning to adapt and persevere.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to face challenges without giving up, understanding that perseverance is key to overcoming difficulties in school and life.
Example Lesson: Creativity
Explanation: The character uses inventive methods to solve problems, highlighting the importance of thinking outside the box.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to use their imagination to find solutions to problems and to express themselves creatively in various aspects of daily life.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: Harry Sponge learns to understand and share the feelings of other characters in the story.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the value of considering other people's emotions and perspectives, aiding them in building stronger, empathetic relationships with peers and family.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: Throughout his journey, Harry learns the importance of working together with others to achieve common goals.
Real-World Application: Promotes the idea that collaboration and cooperation are essential in accomplishing tasks and helps children understand the importance of teamwork in school projects and family activities.
Example Lesson: Courage
Explanation: Harry faces his fears to achieve his goals, demonstrating bravery throughout his adventures.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of facing their fears and the role courage plays in achieving personal growth and success.