ATTACK OF THE MONSTER PLANTS (Choose Your Own Adventure, No 34)
What’s inside...
Using a magical potion designed to make plants grow larger has unexpected consequences when a garden of monster plants takes over the reader's yard. In order to make your garden grow better, you buy magic fertilizer from a strange old man. Now your plants are going wild--you could be crushed by a huge tomato, or tied up in a crazy vine. The reader chooses the plot in this 'Choose your own adventure' story.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-9
Length
52 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What would you do if you encountered a monster plant like in the story?
How did the characters' choices affect the outcome of their adventure?
Which part of the adventure would you like to explore and why?
How do you think teamwork helped the characters in the story?
If you could change one decision in the book, what would it be and how would it change the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before starting the book, ask your child to predict what might happen based on the title and cover.
Pause at critical moments in the story to ask your child what they would do if they were in the characters' shoes.
After finishing the book, discuss the consequences of the characters’ choices and relate them to real-life decisions.
Encourage your child to draw or write about their favorite part of the book or an alternative ending.
Use the book’s themes to foster a discussion about the importance of decision-making and considering different outcomes.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Decision Making
Explanation: As a 'Choose Your Own Adventure' book, readers make choices that determine the story's outcome, teaching them the consequences of their decisions.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this understanding in everyday choices, learning to think about the implications of their actions before deciding.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: The protagonist encounters various challenges with the monster plants that require creative solutions, showcasing effective problem-solving skills.
Real-World Application: This equips children with the capability to tackle obstacles they might face in school or play by thinking critically and creatively.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Throughout the adventure, the protagonist must take responsibility for the choices made, directly influencing the story's progression and outcomes.
Real-World Application: This highlights the importance of being accountable for one's actions, a valuable trait in personal development and group interactions.
Example Lesson: Courage
Explanation: Facing off against monster plants requires bravery, depicted through the protagonist's courageous actions in uncertain situations.
Real-World Application: Children learn the virtue of courage when confronting fears or stepping out of their comfort zone in real life, fostering a confident demeanor.
Example Lesson: Environmental Awareness
Explanation: The story's setting and encounters emphasize the importance of plants and ecosystems, subtly educating about environmental care.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be mindful of their interaction with nature and promotes practices that support environmental sustainability.