Grynbad And The Seven Soups: A Fully Illustrated Comedy Fantasy Book For Children Age 7-10
#1 of 3 in Grynbad Series
on Goodreads (6)
What’s inside...
Timmy Grynbad has bad teeth and a big heart. When his grandpa's magnificent false teeth are stolen by a great green Gribble Grobble, Timmy jumps into a barrel of custard to pursue the thief. His adventure leads him to a strange land where he must cross the Seven Soups, encountering lolly-loving pirates, shoe-obsessed mermaids, and other bizarre hazards. Along the way, he wrestles with mermaids, haggles with trolls, and learns to run on custard, all while facing the dangers within the reeking depths of minestrone. This fully illustrated fantasy adventure draws inspiration from Roald Dahl, the Mr Gum series, and Wallace and Gromit, promising a thrilling journey for its readers.
Discussion points
What do you think each of the seven soups might represent in Grynbad's world?
If you were to create an eighth soup, what ingredients would you use and why?
How do the characters in the story change from the beginning to the end? What do you think caused those changes?
What lessons do you think Grynbad learned during his adventures?
Which part of the story was the most amusing to you, and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading each chapter, ask your child to predict what might happen next, enhancing their anticipation and engagement.
Encourage your child to draw their favorite scene or character from the book. This will help them connect visually and emotionally with the story.
Discuss the moral dilemmas faced by the characters and relate them to real-life situations, which helps in developing ethical thinking.
Create a DIY 'soup-making' session where you and your child can invent a soup inspired by the book, strengthening the connection between the story and real-world activities.
After finishing the book, ask your child to summarize the story in their own words, boosting their retention and narrative skills.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of teamwork
Explanation: The story showcases how Grynbad and his friends work together to solve the mystery of the seven soups.
Real-World Application: Children learn that collaborating with others can help them achieve goals that might be difficult to manage alone. This encourages cooperation and team-driven problem-solving in school projects or family tasks.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: Each soup presents a unique challenge that Grynbad and his group must overcome, teaching readers to think creatively and strategically.
Real-World Application: Kids are inspired to tackle their problems with innovative solutions, whether it's figuring out a math problem or resolving a conflict with friends.
Example Lesson: The value of humor
Explanation: The comedic elements of the book highlight how humor can be used to deal with difficult situations and lighten tense moments.
Real-World Application: This will help children to apply humor in everyday life, easing stress and building positive relationships with others around them.
Example Lesson: Acceptance of differences
Explanation: Characters in 'Grynbad and the Seven Soups' come from various backgrounds and possess different skills, which are all respected and considered important.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate and value the diversity of people in their community and school, fostering inclusivity and respect for others.
Example Lesson: Persistence pays off
Explanation: Throughout the book, Grynbad faces several setbacks, but his determination never wavers. This resilience eventually leads to success.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of not giving up in the face of difficulties, encouraging them to persist with their schoolwork or hobbies regardless of challenges.