There's a Hamster in my Pocket
What’s inside...
Yosser's having a worrying summer as her family's shop is struggling and Auntie Shabnam's visit means she has to share a room with Nani. Yosser is jealous of her friend Kylie's pets, but Kylie's family has problems too, with her mum nearing 40 and her brother Sniper acting suspiciously. Yosser discovers a mysterious box in Nani's things and suspects it's causing the bad luck. Together, Yosser and Kylie try to uncover Sniper's odd behavior, find a gift for Kylie's mum, solve the mystery of the box, and keep track of Kylie's hamsters.
Age
8-11
Length
96 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the character felt when they discovered the hamster in their pocket?
What would you do if you found a hamster in your pocket?
Can you think of a time when something unexpected happened to you? How did you react?
Why is it important to take care of small creatures like hamsters?
What do you think happens next after the story ends?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use a warm and curious tone to invite your child into the discussion, showing genuine interest in their thoughts and feelings about the story.
Relate the story to your child's personal experiences to deepen their connection to the themes.
Encourage your child to imagine alternative endings or continuations of the story to stimulate creative thinking.
Discuss the responsibilities involved in caring for pets and other living things, linking them to themes of kindness and empathy in the book.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: The story showcases the protagonist learning to take care of a pet hamster, emphasizing the duties involved in pet ownership.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by taking on appropriate chores at home, such as feeding a pet or keeping their room tidy.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: Throughout the book, the child learns to understand and cater to the needs and feelings of their pet hamster.
Real-World Application: Kids can use these skills to better relate to and care for others' feelings, fostering stronger friendships.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: The character faces and resolves challenges in caring for the hamster, demonstrating critical thinking.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to think creatively and solve problems they encounter, whether in school assignments or in play.
Example Lesson: Commitment
Explanation: Maintaining the well-being of the hamster requires consistent effort and dedication from the child.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of sticking with commitments, be it in completing school projects or in extracurricular activities.