Astrid and the Space Cadets: Attack of the Snailiens!
#1 of 2 in Astrid and the Space Cadets Series
on Goodreads (31)
What’s inside...
Blast off on an adventure with the Space Cadets! From beloved children's author-illustrator Alex T. Smith, the bestselling creator of the Claude series and How Winston Delivered Christmas, comes a funny and fast-paced adventure through space! With out-of-this-world illustrations on every page, this book promises to be a thrilling ride for young readers as they join the Space Cadets on their intergalactic journey.
Discussion points
What did Astrid learn from her adventure with the Snailiens?
How did the characters work together to solve the problem?
What would you have done differently if you were in Astrid's shoes?
Why do you think the Snailiens acted the way they did?
How do you think the story would change if it happened on Earth instead of space?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing what you liked about the story and encourage your child to do the same.
Ask your child to describe their favorite part of the book and explain why.
Relate the story to a personal experience or similar situation that your child might have faced.
Encourage your child to draw a scene from the book, helping them visualize the setting and characters.
Discuss the importance of teamwork and ask your child about a time they had to work with others to achieve a goal.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Collaboration
Explanation: Astrid and her fellow Space Cadets work together to devise a plan to save their spaceship from the Snailiens. Their success is a result of effective communication and cooperation.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of collaborating with others to achieve common goals, which is applicable in school projects, sports teams, and family activities.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Problem Solving
Explanation: Throughout the book, Astrid uses her imagination to think of unique solutions to fend off the Snailiens, showcasing that thinking outside the box can lead to success.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to use their creativity to solve problems in everyday situations, from figuring out how to fix a broken toy to resolving a dispute with a friend.
Example Lesson: Courage and Bravery
Explanation: Astrid faces her fears of the unknown alien Snailiens to protect her crew and ship. Her bravery is a significant factor in their collective victory.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand the value of facing their fears, whether it's trying out for a new sport, standing up to a bully, or sleeping alone in the dark.
Example Lesson: Responsibility and Leadership
Explanation: Astrid takes the lead in strategizing and executing the plan against the Snailiens, demonstrating accountability and leadership.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the importance of taking responsibility in leading situations and making decisions, valuable in group work at school and in leadership roles within their community.