Arthur and the Perfect Brother: A Marc Brown Arthur Chapter Book 21 (Marc Brown Arthur Chapter Books, 21)
#21 of 18 in Marc Brown Arthur Chapter Books (Pb) Series
on Goodreads (75)
What’s inside...
Arthur is looking forward to having the Brain spend an entire weekend at his house, but then the Brain shows up and starts acting a little too much like the perfect family member. Illustrated in b&w.
Discussion points
Why do you think Arthur felt intimidated by his cousin Moe?
Do you believe there is such a thing as a 'perfect' sibling or family member? Why or why not?
How did Arthur's perception of Moe change throughout the story? What led to this change?
What can we learn from the differences and similarities between Arthur and Moe?
If you had a cousin like Moe, how would you try to understand them better?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their own feelings about sibling relationships and family dynamics, drawing parallels to their own experiences.
Discuss the idea of 'perfection' in family members, emphasizing that everyone has strengths and weaknesses.
Highlight the importance of empathy and understanding in relationships, using examples from the book to illustrate these themes.
Ask your child to think about a time when they misunderstood someone at first, but later came to appreciate their differences.
Use the story as a springboard to talk about how every family member has unique qualities that contribute to the family as a whole.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding and accepting differences
Explanation: In 'Arthur and the Perfect Brother,' Arthur is envious of his friend's seemingly perfect brother. Throughout the story, Arthur learns that everyone has their own strengths and challenges, helping him appreciate the unique qualities of individuals.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by recognizing and respecting differences in their classmates and friends, promoting inclusivity and tolerance in their daily interactions.
Example Lesson: The importance of family
Explanation: The story highlights the familial bonds between siblings, even amid feelings of jealousy. Arthur's journey shows how he comes to value his own family members for who they are.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to appreciate and cherish their family members, understanding that perfection is not necessary for love and acceptance.
Example Lesson: Dealing with jealousy
Explanation: Arthur feels jealousy towards his friend's brother, which is a central theme. By the end of the book, Arthur learns how to cope with these feelings in a healthy way.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to acknowledge feelings of envy and address them constructively, rather than letting these feelings negatively influence their behavior or self-esteem.
Example Lesson: Self-acceptance
Explanation: As Arthur compares himself to his friend's brother, he initially focuses on what he lacks. However, throughout the story, he learns to recognize and value his own strengths and qualities.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to focus on their personal growth and self-worth, helping them to build confidence in their unique abilities and characteristics.