Deadly Hunter
Hippo Mystery Series
What’s inside...
Deadly Hunter by Ann Evans is a thrilling children's mystery novel about three friends, Laura, Bethan, and Gary, who visit Cottesbrook Rare Breeds Park. Excited for the adventure, they soon uncover a web of lies and secrets within the park. Their curiosity puts them at risk as they discover that their surroundings are more dangerous than they initially thought. In addition to the park's mysteries, the friends encounter a deadly white wolf, which locals claim doesn't exist, prowling through the woods, adding to the danger they face. First published in 1998 by Scholastic Children's Books in their Hippo Mystery series, the book has been re-released for a new generation of readers to experience the suspense and mystery.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-16
Length
184 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think makes the hunter in the story 'deadly'? How do his actions affect others in the story?
If you were a character in the book, how would you interact with the hunter? What would you say to him?
How did you feel about the ending of the story? What other endings can you imagine?
What are some qualities that you think make someone a good hunter? Are these qualities also important in real life?
How do the other animals in the story react to the hunter? What does this tell us about teamwork and community?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think about the moral implications of the hunter’s actions and discuss alternative ways the conflicts could be resolved.
Use the story as an opportunity to discuss the importance of empathy and understanding different perspectives.
Ask your child to draw a scene from the book. This can help them express their understanding and feelings about the story visually.
Create a 'What if?' scenario by asking your child how the story would change with different decisions made by the characters.
Emphasize critical thinking by asking your child what lessons they think the hunter and other characters learned by the end of the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of danger
Explanation: The protagonist of 'undefined' showcases bravery by standing up to challenges despite fear, illustrating that courage is not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by facing everyday fears, like trying out for a sports team or speaking in front of a class, with bravery and determination.
Example Lesson: The importance of teamwork
Explanation: Characters in the book often work together to overcome obstacles, demonstrating that collaboration can achieve goals that might be unreachable individually.
Real-World Application: Kids can emulate this in group activities at school or in team sports, learning to value each member's contribution towards a collective goal.
Example Lesson: Resilience through adversity
Explanation: Throughout 'undefined', the main characters encounter setbacks but continue to persevere, teaching that setbacks are part of the journey to success.
Real-World Application: Children learn to keep trying in their personal pursuits, like learning a new skill or improving in a subject, despite initial difficulties or failures.
Example Lesson: Ethical decision-making
Explanation: The story emphasizes making moral choices even when they are difficult, highlighting integrity and character.
Real-World Application: This can guide children to make fair and morally sound decisions with their friends and in their community interactions.
Example Lesson: Respect for diversity
Explanation: Diverse characters in the book respect and learn from each other’s differences, illustrating the strength in diversity.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to embrace and respect diverse cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives, fostering an inclusive environment at home or school.