InvestiGators: A Laugh-Out-Loud Comic Book Adventure!
#1 of 9 in InvestiGators Series
on Goodreads (2,911)
What’s inside...
The InvestiGators series by John Patrick Green follows the comedic adventures of Mango and Brash, two alligator detectives who work for the secret spy organization, S.U.I.T. (Special Undercover Investigation Teams). With the use of their V.E.S.T.S. (Very Exciting Spy Technology), they go undercover to solve mysteries and fight against their arch-nemesis, Crackerdile. Packed with puns and visual gags, the InvestiGators embark on a mission that has them navigating through sewers, chasing bad guys, and solving cases with their wit and creativity.
Character compass
Mango
Chef Gustavo Mustachio
Brash
Crackerdile
Discussion points
What do you think makes Mango and Brash such a great team?
How would you solve a mystery using some of the gadgets from the book?
If you could create your own secret agent gadget, what would it do?
Why is it important for the InvestiGators to work together, and what can we learn from their teamwork?
Which part of the story was the funniest to you, and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine themselves as a character in the book and ask them what role they would play.
Discuss the importance of teamwork and friendship as displayed by Mango and Brash, relating it to your child's experiences with friends or in school.
Use humor from the book as a way to foster a fun and relaxed discussion about the story, asking your child why certain parts made them laugh.
Create a simple scavenger hunt or mystery game at home inspired by the book's themes to make the reading experience interactive and memorable.
Ask your child to draw their favorite gadget from the book or invent a new one, then discuss their ideas and how their gadget could be useful in real life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: The InvestiGators, Mango and Brash, work together to solve mysteries, demonstrating how collaboration can solve complex problems.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by working cooperatively with peers in school projects or during team sports, learning to value different perspectives and strengths.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Innovation
Explanation: Throughout the book, the InvestiGators use various inventive gadgets and creative thinking to navigate challenges, highlighting the importance of innovative problem-solving.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to think outside the box in their daily challenges, whether it's finding a new way to complete a task or coming up with an imaginative play scenario.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: The characters take on responsibilities to solve cases, showing the importance of being dependable and making choices that lead to positive outcomes.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of being reliable when entrusted with tasks, from completing homework on time to carrying out household chores.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: The InvestiGators encounter numerous setbacks throughout their adventures, but they remain determined and persistent, emphasizing the value of perseverance.
Real-World Application: Helps children understand the importance of not giving up in the face of difficulties, whether it's mastering a new skill or resolving conflicts with friends.