Jasper John Dooley: Public Library Enemy #1
#6 of 6 in Jasper John Dooley Series
What’s inside...
All Jasper John Dooley was trying to do was practice his reading skills. He wanted to be ready for his turn to sit in the big, comfy chair at the library on Wednesday and read to Molly the Dog. But, even though Jasper was being so so so careful, the wonderful library book about toilet-paper-tube crafts accidentally falls into his bathwater and drowns. After that, he and his dad only make things worse by setting the book on fire and then shooting it with the fire extinguisher. 'We're Book Killers,' Jasper says gravely. He knows he's going to have to pay for the ruined book, or they'll never let him back in the library again. Except, from what Jasper can tell, the price printed on the book says two thousand five hundred dollars! How can Jasper possibly find a way to raise that much money? And before Wednesday? He'll need his best friend Ori's help now more than ever. The illustrated chapter books in acclaimed author Caroline Adderson's Jasper John Dooley series are perfect for early readers. To Jasper, everything is an adventure, and his quirky and unique point of view is laugh-out-loud funny. Jasper's close relationship with his parents and his friendship with Ori offer young children wonderful role models for personal development. Here, Jasper clearly feels accountable for the library book entrusted to him, making this a great character education choice for discussing responsibility as well as how everyone makes mistakes. This book will be much sought after for independent reading, though it's also an excellent pick for read-aloud.
Character compass
Jasper John Dooley
Ori
Jasper'S Mother
Discussion points
What do you think Jasper felt when he realized he was considered the 'Public Library Enemy #1'?
How did Jasper's relationship with his friends and family change throughout the story?
Can you think of a time when you had a misunderstanding with someone, like Jasper did? How did you resolve it?
What role do you think the library plays in Jasper's community? How about in our community?
What did Jasper learn by the end of the book? What did you learn from his story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by asking your child to summarize the book in their own words to gauge their understanding and recall of the story.
Use follow-up questions to encourage deeper thinking and connection to personal experiences, reinforcing empathy and problem-solving skills.
Discuss the importance and value of public spaces like libraries, and how they serve the community.
Emphasize the lessons learned from mistakes and misunderstandings, highlighting how Jasper handled challenges.
Encourage drawing or role-playing some scenes from the book to foster creativity and personal connection to the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: In the story, Jasper John Dooley faces the consequences of accidentally damaging a library book, teaching readers about accountability.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to take care of their belongings and understand the importance of being responsible for their actions.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: Jasper creatively thinks of ways to fix his mistake, highlighting the importance of problem-solving skills in difficult situations.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to think creatively and persistently when faced with challenges in their daily lives.
Example Lesson: Integrity
Explanation: Despite fearing the repercussions, Jasper chooses to be honest about the damaged book, demonstrating the value of integrity.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand that honesty is crucial, even when they are scared of the consequences.
Example Lesson: Importance of Libraries
Explanation: Jasper's adventure starts and unfolds in a library, showing its role as a valuable community resource for learning and enjoyment.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to explore and utilize local libraries as a source of knowledge and entertainment.
Example Lesson: Dealing with Anxiety
Explanation: Jasper experiences anxiety over the thought of being a 'Library Enemy,' which is resolved through the story. This depicts coping mechanisms for anxiety.
Real-World Application: This can help children learn to manage their feelings of anxiety by seeking help from trusted adults and working through their problems.