Emma Dilemma, the Nanny, and the Secret Ferret
#5 of 7 in Emma Dilemma Series
What’s inside...
Emma has a new dilemma as her hectic, lovable family heads north to Maine for vacation. Can she get away with smuggling her favorite ferret in her backpack so as not to be parted from him for the whole summer? And once she arrives at the “lake house,” should she go forward with a secret plan to rescue her favorite tree from a zealous new neighbor who believes in sacrificing trees for an unobstructed view of the lake? Emma’s two problems spin out of control as she wrestles with how much to share with Annie, “the best nanny in the whole wide world,” and her parents. In the end, Emma learns about trust and responsibility and discovers that grown-ups aren’t as bad as they seem at first.
Discussion points
What do you think Emma learned from her adventures with the secret ferret?
How would you feel if you were in Emma's situation with the ferret? What would you have done differently?
Why do you think Emma wanted to keep the ferret a secret?
What role does trust play in Emma's relationship with her nanny? How can trust affect relationships in real life?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate their own experiences to Emma's story, fostering a deeper personal connection. Ask open-ended questions that promote critical thinking and empathy. Validate their feelings and viewpoints to make them feel heard and understood. Share similar personal stories to enhance bonding and show understanding.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: In the story, Emma learns the importance of taking responsibility for her actions when she tries to keep a secret ferret. Her choices lead to various consequences, teaching her about accountability.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by understanding the importance of being responsible for their own actions, such as tidying up their toys or taking care of their pets.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: Throughout the book, Emma starts to understand her nanny's challenges and perspectives, fostering a sense of empathy.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to consider other people's feelings and viewpoints in situations, helping them build better relationships with family and peers.
Example Lesson: Problem-Solving
Explanation: Emma faces multiple problems when hiding her secret ferret, which requires her to think critically and devise solutions.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to use their problem-solving skills in everyday challenges, like resolving conflicts with friends or overcoming obstacles in school tasks.
Example Lesson: Importance of Honesty
Explanation: The story highlights the repercussions of Emma's initial dishonesty and the relief that truth brings, underscoring the value of honesty.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to be truthful in their dealings, which helps in fostering trust and integrity in their relationships.
Example Lesson: Dealing with the Consequences of One's Actions
Explanation: Emma learns that each action has a consequence, and she must face them bravely.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children that their choices have impacts and they should think carefully before acting, promoting responsible decision-making.