Horrible Harry and the Mud Gremlins
#15 of 37 in Horrible Harry Series
What’s inside...
When Harry comes to school wearing a necklace, the whole class is intrigued. Harry opens the necklace and reveals a mini-microscope—perfect for looking at the mold experiment Room 3B is working on. Everyone wants to try it, so Harry promises to show them a kingdom of mushrooms at recess. However, there is one catch: they will have to go outside the playground fence, breaking a school rule. The class must decide whether to follow Harry and risk not being able to face their teacher, Miss Mackle, again.
Character compass
Harry
Sidney
Song Lee
Doug
Miss Mackle
Discussion points
What do you think Harry learned from his adventure with the mud gremlins?
How did Harry and his friends solve their problems in the story?
What would you have done differently if you were in Harry's situation?
How do Harry's actions affect those around him?
What does this story teach us about friendship and teamwork?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think critically about the characters' decisions and to express their own thoughts and emotions related to the story. You can ask them to draw parallels between the book's scenarios and their own life experiences. Emphasize the importance of working together and respecting others' opinions during the discussion. Lastly, foster a friendly discussion environment where your child feels comfortable sharing openly.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: Throughout the story, Harry and his classmates face several challenges which they must overcome using teamwork and creative thinking.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to approach real-life challenges with a similar mindset, understanding the value of collaboration and innovative solutions in everyday situations.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Harry takes responsibility for his actions in various situations, including dealing with the consequences of playing in the mud.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to take ownership of their actions and understand the impact they have on others, fostering a sense of responsibility.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: Characters in the book often express understanding and support towards each other’s feelings and situations, highlighting the importance of empathy.
Real-World Application: Readers learn to be considerate of others' emotions and perspectives, promoting empathy in their interactions with peers and adults.
Example Lesson: Respecting differences
Explanation: The diverse group of characters in 'Horrible Harry and the Mud Gremlins' demonstrates acceptance and celebration of individual differences.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to appreciate and respect diversity among their own friends and community members.
Example Lesson: Importance of curiosity
Explanation: Harry's curious nature leads to exploration and learning, showing the positive outcomes of asking questions and seeking knowledge.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to remain curious about the world around them, driving them to learn and discover new things actively.