Calvin Coconut: Trouble Magnet
#1 in Calvin Coconut Series
What’s inside...
Fourth-grader Calvin lives near the beach in Oahu with his mom and little sister. Mom says: You're the man of the house. But Calvin's not great at being the man of the house, or taking care of his responsibilities. He's too busy having fun with his pals, and avoiding Tito, the bully. Trouble Magnet is the first book in a new series for younger readers full of all the fun of growing up in Hawaii. It introduces a wonderful multicultural cast of characters, including Mr. Purdy, who calls his fourth-grade class Boot Camp; Uncle Scoop, who runs the lunch wagon at the beach; Ledward, Mom's 6'7 boyfriend; and gorgeous, intimidating, 15-year-old Stella-from-Texas, who arrives to be the live-in babysitter and to step all over Calvin's turf.
Discussion points
How did Calvin's actions affect those around him? Can you think of a similar situation where your actions impacted others?
What does friendship mean to Calvin? How do you define friendship based on your own experiences?
Calvin faces several challenges in the story. How do you think he handled them? What would you do differently if you were in his shoes?
Calvin learns a lot about responsibility throughout the book. What are some responsibilities you have at home or school?
The setting in Hawaii is unique. How does living in Hawaii influence Calvin's adventures? How does your environment shape your daily activities?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think critically by asking them to relate Calvin’s experiences to their own life. This helps deepen their understanding and personal connection to the story.
Discuss the importance of friendship and making good decisions. Use examples from the book and your child's own life to illustrate these concepts.
Explore the setting of the book by looking up information about Hawaii together. Discuss how the culture and environment can affect a person's lifestyle and choices.
Highlight Calvin's development in the story. Talk with your child about how they have grown or changed recently, drawing parallels to Calvin’s journey in the book.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Calvin faces the consequences of his actions when a harmless prank goes wrong, emphasizing the importance of being accountable for one’s actions.
Real-World Application: Children learn the significance of taking responsibility for their actions, understanding that their choices have impacts on others as well as themselves.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: Throughout the story, Calvin learns to understand and share the feelings of his classmate, Stella, who is initially seen as different.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to consider the feelings of others and fosters a supportive and inclusive environment both at school and at home.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: Calvin encounters various problems that he needs to solve, from dealing with school bullies to helping his family.
Real-World Application: Children are inspired to think critically and creatively when faced with their own real-life challenges.
Example Lesson: The value of Friendship
Explanation: The story explores Calvin's relationships with friends and how they navigate their troubles together.
Real-World Application: It highlights the importance of trust, loyalty, and cooperation among peers, teaching children to value and nurture friendships.
Example Lesson: Courage
Explanation: Calvin often faces his fears, whether it's standing up to a bully or trying to fix mistakes he’s made.
Real-World Application: This lesson inspires children to act bravely in the face of personal fears and moral challenges.