Time Travelling with a Hamster
Ross Welford Series
on Goodreads (1,119)
What’s inside...
When Al Chaudhury discovers his late dad’s time machine, he finds that going back to the 1980s requires daring and imagination. It also requires lies, theft, burglary, and setting his school on fire, all while trying not to lose his pet hamster, Alan Shearer. Meanwhile, in a small village in Northumberland, twelve-year-old Tammy has disappeared, and only her twin brother Ethan knows she is safe and the extraordinary truth of where she is. Ethan teams up with his friend Iggy, and a group of interstellar companions including a spaceship and a trained chicken, for a nail-biting chase to get his sister back, taking him further than anyone has ever been before. These stories are filled with humor, action, and deeply touching emotion, perfect for fans of WALL-E, STAR WARS, and ET.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
8-9
Length
400 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Albert Chaudhury
Carole
Grandpa Byron
Pye Chaudhury
Steve
Discussion points
What do you think motivated Al to go on his time-traveling adventure?
How do you think handling the past could affect your present, similar to Al's experience in the book?
If you could meet any family member from the past like Al did, who would it be and why?
What lessons do you think Al learned about family and friendships through his journey?
How would you have handled the challenges that Al faced during his time travels?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to reflect on their personal connections to Al’s feelings and decisions, helping them engage more deeply with the story.
Draw parallels between the historical insights in the book and your child’s current studies or interests.
Discuss the ethical implications of time travel presented in the book to enhance critical thinking skills.
Use examples from the book to talk about the importance of family, relationships, and making difficult choices.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of resilience
Explanation: In the story, the protagonist, Al, faces numerous challenges while trying to change past events to save his father's life. His perseverance throughout his time-traveling journey highlights the value of resilience.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to persist in the face of difficulties, understanding that setbacks are a part of life and can be overcome with determination.
Example Lesson: Understanding the impact of actions
Explanation: As Al navigates through different timelines, he discovers how even small actions can have significant consequences. This helps him—and the reader—understand the ripple effects of our decisions.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to think critically about their choices and consider the potential outcomes before acting, promoting responsibility and thoughtfulness.
Example Lesson: The value of family and relationships
Explanation: Throughout his adventures, Al's motivations are deeply rooted in his love and commitment to his family, especially in his efforts to save his father.
Real-World Application: This can reinforce the importance of family bonds and supporting loved ones, helping children appreciate and nurture their own family relationships.
Example Lesson: Embracing science and curiosity
Explanation: The concept of time travel in the book is used as a vehicle to explore scientific principles and theories, sparking curiosity about how the world works.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to explore science and other subjects at school or through hobbies to understand the world around them better.
Example Lesson: Dealing with loss and acceptance
Explanation: Al's journey also encompasses themes of loss and the eventual acceptance of things that cannot be changed, a crucial emotional lesson.
Real-World Application: This story can help children deal with their own losses or changes in life, teaching them to find peace with things beyond their control.