Gorgonzola Zombies in the Park
What’s inside...
Sam and Robert make up a story about a Gorgonzola Zombie to scare their cousin Mabel, but strange and scary events convince all three that there really is a zombie haunting Central Park.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-10
Length
82 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the Gorgonzola Zombies represent in the story?
How did the characters' actions help resolve the conflict in the park?
Why do you think the author chose a park as the setting for the zombie adventure?
What would you do if you met a Gorgonzola Zombie in the park?
How did the story make you feel about teamwork and helping others?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the discussion by sharing your own thoughts on the book’s theme and asking your child what they liked best about the story. Encourage them to imagine alternative endings or scenarios. Link the story's themes to real-life situations or experiences to make the conversation more relatable. Use expressive questions to explore their understanding and interpretations of the story. Acknowledge all their responses positively to keep them engaged and motivated.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Collaboration
Explanation: The characters in 'Gorgonzola Zombies in the Park' work together to solve the mystery of the zombies, demonstrating the power of collaboration.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of working with others to achieve common goals, which can be applied in school projects or team sports.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: Throughout the book, the protagonists face various challenges that require critical thinking and creativity to resolve.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to think critically and creatively in their own lives, whether dealing with a difficult homework problem or resolving conflicts with friends.
Example Lesson: Courage and Bravery
Explanation: The main characters show bravery when confronting the mysterious zombies, teaching children to face their fears.
Real-World Application: This helps children understand the value of facing challenges head-on, be it trying out for a school play or standing up against bullying.
Example Lesson: Importance of Curiosity
Explanation: The curiosity of the characters leads them to explore and ultimately solve the mystery, highlighting how asking questions can lead to solutions.
Real-World Application: Curiosity can lead to learning and discovery in a child’s everyday life, encouraging them to explore new subjects and seek answers.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: Despite initial setbacks, the characters persist in their quest, showcasing resilience in the face of obstacles.
Real-World Application: Teaching children the importance of perseverance, whether it’s in mastering a new skill or coping with changes at home or school.