Evangeline Mudd and the Golden-Haired Apes of the Ikkinasti Jungle
#1 in Evangeline Mudd Series
on Goodreads (187)
What’s inside...
This comical, fast-paced tale has a heroine whose primatologist parents have taken their child-rearing cues from the golden-haired ape, whose resourceful and fun-loving lifestyle they deeply admire. But one day they fail to return from a trip and Evangeline has to follow and find them herself.
Discussion points
What do you think Evangeline learned about friendship and bravery during her adventures?
How do you feel about the way Evangeline treats the animals and nature in the story?
If you were in the Ikkinasti Jungle, what would you have done differently than Evangeline?
Why do you think the golden-haired apes trusted Evangeline?
What does this story teach us about respecting and protecting the environment?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their opinions and feelings about Evangeline’s decisions and their outcomes.
Discuss the importance of empathy and kindness towards all creatures, drawing parallels to Evangeline’s interactions in the story.
Ask your child to imagine their own jungle adventure, including what kind of creatures they might meet and how they would interact with them.
Highlight the conservation messages in the book and discuss simple ways your family can help protect nature.
Use the book’s vivid descriptions to help your child visualize the jungle and its inhabitants, enhancing their connection to the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of Courage and Resilience
Explanation: Evangeline Mudd exhibits remarkable courage and resilience as she navigates the challenges and adventures in the Ikkinasti Jungle.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to face their fears and overcome obstacles with determination, applying this mindset to new experiences and challenges at school or in social settings.
Example Lesson: Value of Understanding and Respecting Different Cultures
Explanation: The story explores Evangeline's interactions with the apes of Ikkinasti and highlights the importance of understanding and respecting their culture and way of life.
Real-World Application: Kids are encouraged to be open-minded and respectful towards people from different cultural backgrounds, promoting inclusivity and diversity in their everyday interactions.
Example Lesson: Environmental Awareness and Conservation
Explanation: Throughout her adventure, Evangeline learns about the importance of preserving the jungle and its inhabitants, emphasizing the need for environmental conservation.
Real-World Application: Children can adopt environmentally friendly habits such as recycling, conserving water, and learning more about local wildlife and natural habitats.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Compassion
Explanation: Evangeline's caring nature towards the apes illustrates the themes of empathy and compassion.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the importance of being kind and considerate towards others, encouraging them to help friends or family members in need.
Example Lesson: The Power of Curiosity and Learning
Explanation: Evangeline’s adventurous spirit is driven by her curiosity about the world around her, leading her to learn and grow from her experiences.
Real-World Application: Encouraging children to ask questions, seek out new knowledge, and view learning as an exciting journey rather than a chore.