Hadi’sCastle

About the book

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Dear Parents, 

Accepting change can be challenging—especially in early childhood, when a child feels that everything around them belongs to them and is an extension of themselves. 

This story explores the theme of change and the range of emotions that come with it. Opening the castle doors to someone new may feel unsettling and may raise many questions—for example: “What will this new person bring?” 

The story encourages openness and sharing with new friends as a way to broaden perspectives and create fun, imaginative play. 

Talk with your child about the things that feel personal to them.

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Let’s Talk 

Each of us has our own familiar environment: our home, our toys, and the space we enjoy. Talk with your child about the things that feel personal to them.

Ask questions such as: “Which toy is closest to your heart?”

What happens when you visit a new place for the first time? Or when someone new visits your home? 

It’s important to reassure the child that feeling anxious or hesitant to join in is natural—just like Hadi felt at the beginning of the story. And that things often change once we give ourselves the chance to try.

Just as happened with Hadi, when he started playing hide-and-seek with Salma, his fear gradually faded and joy took its place. 

Enrich your child’s vocabulary with new words from the story related to the setting and events

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Let’s Enrich Our Language 

Ask your child: “Are you ready to swim with Hadi?”

Move your hands in circular motions as if you are swimming, and point to the illustrations in the story to help your child connect words with meaning. 

Enrich your child’s vocabulary with new words from the story related to the setting and events, such as: plant, shell, in front of, behind. 

Ask: “Where does Hadi live?” 

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Let’s Explore 

Ask: “Where does Hadi live?”

Offer examples of different homes such as a house or a nest.

Then name the elements found in Hadi and Salma’s environment: grass, shells, etc. 

Color fish of different sizes and shapes, then glue them onto a blue cardboard sheet

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Let’s Create 

Color fish of different sizes and shapes, then glue them onto a blue cardboard sheet to create a beautiful underwater scene.

You can also build a castle using blocks or any materials available at home. 

Fill a plastic container with water and add some shells, plants, and sand. 

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Let’s Play 

Fill a plastic container with water and add some shells (if available), plants, and sand.

Let your child explore the textures and enjoy sensory play.