Elizabeth Lucraft

Age Group:3–8 years
Reading Level:Ideal for shared reading, classroom discussions, or bedtime stories

Book 1: Ernie – Where Is Home?

Discussion Questions:

1. Why do you think Ernie misses his old home?

2. What makes a place feel like “home” to you?

3. How did Ernie's family help him feel safe in the new place?

Activities:

• Draw Your Home: Children draw their current home and a “dream home.”

• Memory Jar: Fill a jar with slips of paper showing memories or things they love—just like Ernie builds new memories.

• Map the Move: Make a fun map from “old home” to “new adventure,” real or imagined.

Book 2: Ernie – A River of Courage

Discussion Questions:

1. What made Ernie feel nervous about the river?

2. Have you ever tried something that felt scary at first?

3. Who helped Ernie feel brave? Who helps you?

Activities:

• Bravery Badge: Design a "bravery badge" for Ernie—and for yourself!

• Story Chain: Have children complete the sentence “I was brave when…”

• River Obstacle Course: Create a pretend obstacle course with chairs, blankets, or cones to mimic “river adventures.”

Book 3: Ernie – Floating Festival Fun

Discussion Questions:

1. What was Ernie excited about at the festival?

2. Why did Ernie and his family stop to help?

3. What’s more important—winning or helping others?

Activities:

• Decorate a Paper Boat: Use recycled materials to design a “Best Decorated Boat.”

• Kindness Chain: Each child adds a link when they do something kind—build a chain to “keep the parade moving!”

• Festival Role-Play: Set up a mini floating market with toys, drawings, or snacks.

Book 4: Ernie – Under the Stars

Discussion Questions:

1. Why do you think Ernie followed the “peep-peep”?

2. What would you do if you found a lost animal?

3. How did Ernie show courage during the night?

Activities:

• Starry Night Art: Paint or draw a canal scene under the stars using dark paper and chalk or paint.

• Animal Sound Hunt: Match animal sounds to nocturnal animals—who’s making the “peep-peep”?

• Flashlight Rescue Game: Hide a duck toy and have kids find it with a flashlight in a safe, darkened room.