Titans (Little Ark Book)
#1 in Little Ark Paperbacks Series
What’s inside...
'Listen,' commanded Ring-nose, staring at Jason. 'This is a dream. You're dreaming all this. It can be a good dream, or it can be an ordinary dream, or it can be a very bad dream. It's up to you. If you do as I tell you, and do it quickly, it'll be a good dream. If you keep on being as slow as you were about the door, it'll be a nightmare. Show him your teeth, Cutlass.' From the moment Jason opens the bedroom door, his life is invaded by tiny, bold extraterrestrials in minuscule jogging shoes: Titans! Nothing has ever seemed so real, so extraordinary, so unpredictable. How did they get here? What are they up to? Will Jason survive their wild adventures? And when these fierce new friends need help, will he have the courage and faith in himself to save them? An unusual, inventive, and imaginative fantasy...a rewardingly off-beat and multi-layered novel. Jason discovers that his great-uncle's house is also inhabited by tiny people from another dimension, and when he lets some of them loose, he must cope with the others, as well as with Loopy Leonard Duggan, the Commissioner of Police.
Discussion points
What do you think makes the titans special or different from other characters we've read about?
How do you think the titan felt when they faced their challenges?
What would you do if you met a titan? Can you think of any questions you would ask them?
How can we help each other overcome big challenges, like the titans do?
What’s your favorite part of the story, and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Create a comfortable reading spot where you and your child can explore the world of titans together. Use expressive reading, changing your voice for different characters, to make the story come alive. After reading, relate the book’s themes to your child’s experiences, asking how they might handle similar situations. Encourage creative expression, perhaps drawing or acting out favorite scenes, to deepen their connection with the story. Finally, let your child lead the discussion sometimes, focusing on what intrigues them most about the titans.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Cooperation
Explanation: The story illustrates the Titans working together to overcome obstacles, showing that teamwork can achieve greater results than individual efforts alone.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by participating in group activities at school or in sports, learning how to collaborate and value each other's strengths.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Each Titan has specific duties and roles, teaching children the importance of responsibility and being accountable for their actions.
Real-World Application: This can be mirrored in a child’s life by taking care of their personal belongings, completing homework, or being responsible for household chores.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: The Titans face various challenges but continue to persevere, highlighting the value of resilience when confronted with difficulties.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to not give up easily in the face of challenges, whether they are solving a tough puzzle or learning a new skill.
Example Lesson: Respect for Diversity
Explanation: The diverse group of Titans with different powers and backgrounds teaches children to appreciate and respect diversity in abilities and cultures.
Real-World Application: Kids can practice this by embracing individual differences among their peers and learning from diverse cultural perspectives.