Spark, Brownie and Guide Books

About a Bear

By Holly Surplice

GGC Says: This is a beautifully illustrated picture book about all the things a Bear can do, from smiling, getting into mischief, to snuggling. Young readers will love all the colours in the background and enjoy identifying all the different animals the Bear comes across. By the end of the story, the Bear has made your way into your heart as (s)he reminds you of all the things children can do.

Recommended For: Spark/Brownies

Questions:

1. What are all the different animals the Bear is friends with?
2. Is there anything that a Bear can do that you can do too?
3. Are there more things that you can do? What are they?

Rating: This book is suitable for children ages two to seven years. It contains no profanity, violence, or mature themes.

Liesl & Po

By Lauren Oliver

GGC Says: Liesl and Po is an exciting, adventurous, magical and wonderfully illustrated story about friendship and what can happen when you believe in yourself. Liesl has been locked in her attic bedroom by her cruel stepmother and her life seems out of her control. But Liesl’s life changes when she meets Po and Bundle, two ghosts, and they become friends who will help her as she tries to set things straight. Liesl encounters many people, friend and foe, on her journey, but her friends, and her belief in herself help her through.

Recommended For: Brownies/Guides

Questions:

1. Liesl, Po and Will met many people along their journey. Some were friends, but some were not, and some turned out to be friends in the end. Who were some of Liesl and Will’s friends? How do you know they were friends? What do friends do for each other?
2. Liesl needed to return to her old house with her father’s ashes. Why do you think she had to do that? What are some things that make you feel safe, happy and at home?
3. There were some very nasty people that Liesl, Po and Will met along the way. Who were some of those people? What did they do that was so bad? Why do you think they acted that way?

Rating: This book is suitable for children, ages eight to 14 years. It contains no profanity, but may contain occasional "socially offensive and/or discriminatory" language or situations. Also may contain low intensity or fantasy violence and mature situations and or themes within the context of the story, but has no sex or nudity.