Extraordinary Ernie and Marvelous Maud (Ernie and Maud)
#1 in Extraordinary Ernie and Marvelous Maud Series
What’s inside...
Ernie Eggers is thrilled when he wins a superhero contest and becomes Extraordinary Ernie (after school on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, and all day Saturday). But his excitement turns to dismay when he discovers that his sidekick is a sheep. It doesn't take him long to realize, though, that there has never been another sheep quite like Marvellous Maud.
Discussion points
What qualities do you think make Ernie extraordinary and Maud marvelous?
How do Ernie and Maud work together to solve problems? Can you think of a time when teamwork helped you solve a problem?
What do you think is the most important lesson Ernie and Maud learned? How can you apply this lesson in your own life?
If you could have any superpower like Ernie and Maud, what would it be and why?
How do you think the story would change if you were one of the characters? What would you do differently?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think critically about the characters’ actions and their impact on the storyline. This fosters a deeper understanding and connection to the book.
Highlight the values of teamwork and friendship portrayed in the book. Discuss with your child how these values apply in their day-to-day life.
Ask your child to imagine and articulate alternative endings or plot twists based on the characters’ personalities and traits. This enhances creative thinking.
Use the superpowers theme as a fun starting point for a creative drawing session, where your child can create their own superhero, fostering creativity and personal expression.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Collaboration
Explanation: Ernie and Maud show that working together helps achieve common goals, even if the members have different strengths.
Real-World Application: Children learn to cooperate with others in group activities, whether in classroom projects or in playing sports, understanding that everyone’s contribution is important.
Example Lesson: Embracing Uniqueness
Explanation: Maud, the sheep, is not a typical superhero sidekick, teaching that uniqueness is valuable and everyone has something special to contribute.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to appreciate their own unique qualities and the diverse traits of others around them, promoting inclusivity.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Ernie takes his role as a superhero seriously, demonstrating the importance of responsibility in his duties.
Real-World Application: Kids are inspired to be responsible in their tasks, such as completing homework, chores, or caring for a pet.
Example Lesson: Overcoming Doubts
Explanation: The characters face self-doubt and skepticism from others but learn to overcome these challenges with perseverance.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand that self-confidence can be developed through persistence and positive thinking, even when faced with doubt.
Example Lesson: Importance of Humor
Explanation: The light-hearted interactions and situations show how humor can be used to cope with challenges and bond with others.
Real-World Application: Children learn to use humor as a tool to relieve stress, resolve conflicts, and connect with peers and family members more effectively.