Charlie & Frog
#1 in Charlie and Frog Series
on Goodreads (703)
What’s inside...
All Charlie Tickler wants is for his parents to listen.
Charlie's parents have left him (again). This time they are off to South Africa to help giant golden moles. And Charlie? He's been dumped with his TV-obsessed grandparents. Lonely and curious, Charlie heads into the village of Castle-on-the-Hudson, where a frightened old woman gives him a desperate message-in sign language. When she suddenly disappears, Charlie is determined to find answers.
All Francine (aka Frog) Castle wants is to be the world's greatest detective.
Frog, who is Deaf, would rather be solving crimes than working at the Flying Hands Cafe. When Charlie Tickler walks into the caf looking for help, Frog jumps at the chance to tackle a real-life case.
Together, Charlie and Frog set out to decipher a series of clues and uncover the truth behind the missing woman's mysterious message. Charlie needs to learn American Sign Language (fast) to keep up with quick-witted Frog. And Frog needs to gather her detective know-how (now) to break the case before it's too late.
Discover the surprising ways people listen in debut author Karen Kane's page-turning mystery filled with humor, intrigue, and heartwarming friendships.
Why read this book
- Mystery-driven story enhances problem-solving skills.
- Deaf representation promotes inclusivity and understanding.
- Encourages curiosity and friendship values.
- Vivid storytelling fosters imagination and engagement.
Character compass
Charlie Tuggle
Francine "Frog" Castle
Tansy
Discussion points
What do you think Charlie learned about friendship and trust throughout the story?
How do you feel about the way Charlie communicates using sign language? How important is it to understand different ways people communicate?
Frog has a unique personality; what do you like most about her, and why?
If you were in the story, how would you help Charlie and Frog solve the mystery?
How does the setting of the town of Castle-on-the-Hudson contribute to the story’s mystery?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the characters’ decisions and actions.
Discuss the importance of inclusivity and understanding different forms of communication, emphasizing sign language used by Charlie.
Ask your child to predict what might happen next at various points in the book to develop their analytical thinking skills.
Relate the story’s themes of friendship and adventure to your child’s own experiences to make the discussion more personal and engaging.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of communication
Explanation: In 'Charlie & Frog', Charlie learns sign language to communicate with Frog, who is deaf. This encourages understanding and connectivity between them.
Real-World Application: Children can learn that knowing multiple ways to communicate can help them connect with more people and appreciate diverse forms of interaction.
Example Lesson: Value of teamwork
Explanation: Throughout the book, Charlie and Frog work together to solve the mystery. This collaboration showcases the power of partnership.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to cooperate with others, combining strengths to achieve common goals, whether in school projects or team sports.
Example Lesson: Courage to face challenges
Explanation: Charlie overcomes his fears and engages in a new environment and culture. His journey illustrates bravery and personal growth.
Real-World Application: Teaches children that facing new challenges can be rewarding and is an essential part of growth.
Example Lesson: Appreciation for diversity
Explanation: The story portrays characters with different abilities and backgrounds, promoting inclusivity and acceptance.
Real-World Application: Helps children understand and respect people’s differences, fostering a more inclusive mindset from a young age.
Example Lesson: Importance of persistence
Explanation: Charlie's continuous effort to solve the mystery, despite various obstacles, highlights the importance of not giving up.
Real-World Application: Motivates children to stay determined and persistent despite difficulties, whether in academic, social, or personal pursuits.