Benjamin and Bumper to the Rescue (The Adventures of Benjamin and Bumper)
The Adventures Of Benjamin And Bumper Series
on Goodreads (31)
What’s inside...
A thrilling story of rescue and adventure featuring fuzzy young Benjamin Middlemouse and his wooly friend Bumper the elephant as the unlikely heroes, each page of this children's picture book features a cinematic photo of charming handmade mice and other creatures that inhabit a richly textured, three-dimensional world. When Benjamin's mother does not return to the antique armoire they call home, Benjamin recruits his friend Bumper, a stuffed animal who lives on the nearby bed, to help with the search. Benjamin loads Bumper's back with a treasure-trove of scrounged objects--a jumble of ropes, needles and thread, a ladder made from string and matchsticks, and a homemade slingshot with a basket of popcorn for ammunition--and they follow clues that lead into the garden, where they must storm the stone tower of Sir Pouncelot the cat and rescue Mrs. Middlemouse before she becomes his tasty dinner. Just right for a first adventure story, this magical storybook is an ideal blend of suspense, bravery, friendship, humor, loyalty, and a happy ending for all.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-7
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Benjamin felt when he was trying to help Bumper?
What would you have done if you were in Benjamin's place during their adventure?
Why is it important to help friends in trouble?
What did you learn about friendship from Benjamin and Bumper's journey?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressions and voice modulation to bring the story to life as you read with your child, making the narrative more engaging.
After reading a chapter, pause and ask your child how they think the characters are feeling, promoting empathy and emotional understanding.
Connect the story to your child's real-life experiences by discussing times when they helped a friend or needed help.
Encourage your child to imagine alternate endings or different scenarios within the book, enhancing creative thinking.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Friendship and Teamwork
Explanation: In 'Benjamin and Bumper to the Rescue,' the characters Benjamin and Bumper exemplify how working together can overcome obstacles. They team up to navigate through various challenges, demonstrating that collaboration is key.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by engaging in team activities, learning to cooperate, and valuing each other’s input, which is crucial in school projects and family tasks.
Example Lesson: Courage and Bravery
Explanation: Throughout their adventures, Benjamin and Bumper display courage when confronting daunting situations. Their bravery in facing fears head-on serves as a central theme.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to embrace challenges in their lives, whether it’s trying out for a sports team, standing up against bullying, or trying new activities.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: The story showcases the importance of analytical thinking and creativity as Benjamin and Bumper solve puzzles and find paths through their journey.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to approach their own problems by thinking critically and creatively, skills that are beneficial in academic and social situations.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: As they meet other characters with different backgrounds and difficulties, Benjamin and Bumper show compassion and understanding, learning about others’ perspectives.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of empathy, promoting an inclusive attitude and understanding towards classmates and friends from diverse backgrounds.