Benji's Big Adventure (Festival Readers)
#2 of 35 in Festival readers Series
What’s inside...
Benji's mom, Daisy, is in trouble and it's up to Benji and his goofy friend, Lizard Tongue, to save her! With Animal Control hot on their trail, the two mutts are bound for some silly adventures as they outwit the not-so-cunning dogcatchers. Benji and his sidekick, Lizard Tongue, struggle to save Benji's mother from a greedy backyard breeder.
Discussion points
What was your favorite part of Benji’s adventure and why?
How do you think Benji felt when he was trying something new? Have you ever felt the same way?
What did Benji learn during his adventure? What did you learn from his story?
If you were Benji, what would you have done differently on your adventure?
Benji met many different characters. Who would you want to meet from his adventure and what would you ask them?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story, relating it to their own experiences.
Discuss the various emotions Benji might have felt during his adventure, helping your child understand and empathize with the character.
Ask your child to imagine their own adventure. What would it involve? Who would they meet?
Highlight the moral or lesson from Benji’s adventure and relate it to real-life situations your child might encounter.
Use expressive reading to make the story come alive, using different voices for different characters to maintain your child's interest.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in facing new experiences
Explanation: In 'Benji's Big Adventure', Benji demonstrates bravery as he explores a new festival environment, despite feeling initially overwhelmed.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of embracing unfamiliar situations, which can help them adapt more easily to changes like starting a new school or trying new activities.
Example Lesson: The value of curiosity
Explanation: Throughout the story, Benji asks questions and learns from the people around him at the festival, highlighting his inquisitive nature.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to ask questions and seek knowledge in any setting, fostering a lifelong love for learning.
Example Lesson: Importance of friendship
Explanation: Benji's interactions with new friends at the festival show how making connections can enhance experiences.
Real-World Application: Teaches children about the significance of building and maintaining friendships, promoting social skills and emotional understanding in real-world interactions.
Example Lesson: Embracing cultural diversity
Explanation: The festival features various cultural booths and activities, through which Benji learns about different traditions, foods, and customs.
Real-World Application: Helps children appreciate and respect cultural diversity, leading to more inclusive behavior and understanding towards people from different backgrounds.