Badger the Mystical Mutt and the Barking Boogie
Badger the Mystical Mutt Series
on Goodreads (1)
What’s inside...
A mysterious and extremely whiffy smell has caused the Pong Police to close the lane at the bottom of Badger's garden, leaving Cheryl, a dancing diva Chihuahua, without a place to practice for Anton Du Bark's Hotpaws Barking Boogie. Newly appointed gang leader, Dodgy Dave, harbors a secret that may hold the key to resolving the situation. With the help of the Alley Cats and a change in diet for Cheryl, Badger the Mystical Mutt, armed with haphazard magic and a love for toast, must find a way to save the day.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
6-10
Length
128 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Badger The Mystical Mutt
Discussion points
What do you think Badger would do if he encountered a problem he couldn’t solve immediately?
How did Badger’s friends help him in the story? Can you think of a time when your friends helped you?
What lessons do you think Badger learned during his adventure? How would you apply these lessons in your own life?
If you could have a magical power like Badger, what would it be and why?
How do you think the story would change if it took place in a different setting, like a city or a desert?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in the story, enhancing emotional connection and empathy. Ask open-ended questions that prompt deeper thinking and personal reflection, fostering critical thinking skills. Discuss the characters’ actions and decisions to help your child understand different perspectives. Reinforce the themes of friendship and problem-solving discussed in the book to relate them to real-life situations your child may encounter.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The value of teamwork
Explanation: Badger and his friends must work together to solve the mystery of the Barking Boogie. Their collaborative efforts highlight the importance of cooperation and combining strengths.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson when working on group projects in school or during team sports, learning that cooperation can lead to success.
Example Lesson: Importance of courage
Explanation: Throughout the adventure, Badger faces various challenges that require bravery. His courage in facing the unknown teaches resilience and boldness.
Real-World Application: This lesson is pertinent when children need to adapt to new situations, such as moving to a new school or standing up against bullying, showing them the importance of being brave even when it's difficult.
Example Lesson: Embracing diversity
Explanation: The cast of characters in the book comes from a variety of backgrounds, which emphasizes acceptance and the beauty of diversity.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate the differences in people around them, promoting inclusivity in their interactions with their peers.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: Badger shows critical thinking and problem-solving throughout the story, especially when piecing together clues to solve the mystery.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to think critically when faced with challenges or puzzles in real life, which enhances their decision-making and analytical skills.
Example Lesson: Joy of reading
Explanation: The narrative and magical elements of the book engage readers, fostering a love for reading and literature.
Real-World Application: Instills a lifelong love for reading, which can contribute to better academic performance and a better understanding of the world around them.