Five Have a Mystery to Solve (The Famous Five Series IV)
#20 of 7 in The Famous Five Series
What’s inside...
In 'Five Have a Mystery to Solve', the fourth installment of the Famous Five series by Enid Blyton, the intrepid group of four children and their dog are on a new adventure. They are staying with a friend named Wilfrid, who can communicate with animals, on an island near an ancient castle rumored to hide a secret treasure. The Five face challenges and suspicious characters also interested in the island's secrets. With courage and determination, they unravel the mystery, facing danger and excitement, and ensure the secret of Whispering Island is kept safe.
Character compass
Julian
George (Georgina)
Anne
Wilfrid
Timmy
Dick
Discussion points
What do you think makes Whispering Island mysterious, and how would you feel exploring it?
Which character did you relate to the most and why?
How did the characters work together to solve the mystery? Can you think of a time when you worked as a team?
What do you think is the most important clue that helped the Five solve the mystery?
If you were to create your own adventure story, what setting would you choose and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to describe Whispering Island using their own words and imagination, enhancing their descriptive skills.
Discuss each character’s unique traits and ask your child whom they admire the most, promoting empathy and self-reflection.
Relate the teamwork in the story to real-life scenarios in your child's experiences to reinforce the value of collaboration.
Pause at crucial moments in the story to predict possible outcomes, sharpening your child’s analytical skills.
After reading, have your child draw a map of how they envision Whispering Island, fostering creativity and recall ability.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and cooperation
Explanation: Throughout the book, the Famous Five work together to solve the mystery, demonstrating how teamwork can lead to success.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by collaborating with their peers on group projects at school or during team sports, learning that collective effort can achieve great results.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: The characters in the story frequently encounter challenges and puzzles that they solve using their wits and resources, showcasing effective problem-solving.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to approach problems thoughtfully and creatively in their own lives, whether in academic settings or personal situations.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and exploration
Explanation: The book's adventure theme encourages exploring new areas and learning through discovery, as the characters seek out clues and unravel the mystery.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to be curious about the world around them, exploring new topics and activities that interest them, fostering a love of learning.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: Despite various obstacles and setbacks, the Five persevere and remain committed to their goal, illustrating resilience.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to remain determined and resilient when facing difficulties in their studies, hobbies, or personal challenges.
Example Lesson: Honesty and integrity
Explanation: The protagonists consistently strive to do the right thing, even when faced with easier, less honest alternatives.
Real-World Application: This reinforces the value of integrity and honesty, encouraging children to always strive for truthfulness and ethical behavior in their daily interactions.