Calvin Coconut: Kung Fooey
#6 in Calvin Coconut Series
on Goodreads (72)
What’s inside...
Calvin Coconut's fourth grade class meets Benni Obi, a weird and likable new kid. Benny brags about knowing kung fu, wears mirrored sunglasses, eats worms, crickets, and chocolate-covered scorpions, and says all the wrong things to bully Tito. Uh-oh. Meanwhile, the neighborhood kids and pets clear the road as Calvin's babysitter Stella is learning how to drive. She's got a lead foot. Readers will enjoy the humor in Kung Fooey as Calvin's smarts and courage help him learn something new about standing up for friends, and facing a bully. Additionally, Calvin's mom says his new dog Streak smells bad, especially her breath. Calvin is convinced that Streak's stink is a good one, but he is worried. If he doesn't solve Streak's problem soon, mom might make him give his beloved new dog back to the shelter. So when his teacher assigns his students a discovery project, Calvin decides to discover the worst stinks--and find a solution to Streak's bad breath.
Character compass
Calvin Coconut
Willy
Tina (Calvin’S Mom)
Ledward
Toby
Discussion points
How did Calvin's actions help him solve problems in the story?
What would you have done if you were in Calvin's shoes during his adventure?
How do the other characters in the book react to Calvin's decisions?
What did you learn from the overall message of the book?
Can you think of a time when you had to overcome a challenge like Calvin?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think about the consequences of actions, just like Calvin had to in the story.
Discuss the importance of friendship and teamwork featured in the book.
Ask your child to relate the story to their personal experiences, fostering a deeper connection with the narrative.
Praise your child’s insights and perspectives to boost their confidence and enjoyment in discussing books.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Calvin is tasked with caring for a neighbor's pet, showcasing the importance of being responsible for others.
Real-World Application: Children learn the significance of taking responsibility for their own pets, tasks, or chores at home.
Example Lesson: Friendship and Teamwork
Explanation: Through interactions with his friends and group activities, Calvin demonstrates the value of collaboration and supporting one another.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to foster teamwork in school projects or during playtime with friends.
Example Lesson: Dealing with Disappointment
Explanation: Calvin faces setbacks in his Kung Fooey pursuits, teaching him to handle disappointment gracefully.
Real-World Application: This lesson equips children with the ability to cope with their own moments of disappointment, whether in academics, sports, or personal interests.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Imagination
Explanation: The adventures Calvin embarks upon highlight his imaginative spirit and creative problem-solving skills.
Real-World Application: Children are inspired to use their imagination in play and problem solving, boosting their creative thinking abilities.
Example Lesson: Respect for Others
Explanation: Calvin learns to appreciate the differences and boundaries of the people around him, promoting respect and understanding.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to value diversity and practice respect in their interactions at school and in the community.