Fangs!: (Dirty Bertie)
#9 of 45 in Dirty Bertie Series
What’s inside...
Fangs! is part of the 'Dirty Bertie' series which follows the misadventures of a young boy named Bertie with a reputation for being dirty and getting into hilarious troubles. In this installment, Bertie finds himself dealing with some unwanted attention from a new schoolmate with a surprising secret. Wherever Bertie goes, chaos follows, and this trio of stories is no exception. Join Bertie as he attempts to prove the grumpy school custodian is a vampire, finds himself modeling the latest fashions, and gets a serious 'scare-cut' at the barbers.
Discussion points
Why do you think Dirty Bertie created so much chaos with his actions?
How did the characters in the story react to Dirty Bertie’s behavior?
What could Dirty Bertie have done differently to solve his problems?
How did you feel when Dirty Bertie made his choices?
What lesson do you think Dirty Bertie learned by the end of the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and emotions about Dirty Bertie’s antics by relating them to their own experiences.
Discuss the consequences of Dirty Bertie’s actions and ask your child how they would handle similar situations.
Focus on understanding the moral of the story together, and explore the importance of making thoughtful decisions.
Use expressions and voice modulation to make the reading experience more lively and engaging, mimicking the chaos and resolution in the story.
After discussing the questions, encourage your child to draw a scene from the book, depicting how they would have resolved a problem differently.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: In 'Fangs!', Dirty Bertie learns the importance of taking care of his pet spider. The story demonstrates how Bertie must clean, feed, and ensure the safety of his spider, teaching children about the responsibilities involved in pet care.
Real-World Application: This teaches children that having a pet requires dedication and consistent care, encouraging them to be responsible and attentive in their daily tasks.
Example Lesson: Overcoming Fears
Explanation: Throughout the book, Dirty Bertie confronts his own fears and misconceptions about spiders. This transformation provides a framework for understanding and managing personal fears.
Real-World Application: Children learn that it's normal to have fears, but facing them can lead to growth and new understandings. This helps in reducing anxieties about new experiences or creatures in their environment.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: As Bertie learns more about his spider, he starts to empathize with it and understand life from the spider's perspective. This shift portrays how understanding different living creatures can foster empathy.
Real-World Application: By observing Bertie's change of heart, children are encouraged to consider the feelings and lives of others, promoting empathy and kindness in their interactions with both animals and people.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Learning
Explanation: Bertie's initial curiosity about spiders leads him to learn more about them. His journey highlights the importance of asking questions and seeking knowledge.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to pursue their interests and learn more about the world around them, enhancing their educational development and fostering a lifelong love of learning.