Just Ferret
Cascades Series
on Goodreads (15)
What’s inside...
Ferret doesn't think that Cricklepit Combined School will be any different from the other schools he's been to - but he's wrong. Since her mother's death when he was six, Ferret has led a nomadic existence with his artist father - constantly changing schools and struggling to cover up his inability to read. So, when he fronts up at Cricklepit Combined School, Ferret has no reason to think that things will be different. But, with the help of his new friends Minty and Beany, Ferret manages to free the school from the grip of Magnus and his gang of bullies - and overcomes his reading block too!
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
6-13
Length
136 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did the story of the ferret help you understand the importance of friendship?
What do you think the ferret felt when he was trying to find his way home?
Can you think of a time when you helped a friend like the characters in the book helped each other?
What would you do if you were in the ferret's place in the story?
How do you think the story would change if it happened in our neighborhood?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressions and voice modulations to mimic the characters while reading, making the story more relatable and engaging.
Ask your child to draw their favorite scene or character from the book, then discuss why they made that choice.
Encourage your child to predict what might happen next at different points in the story to enhance their analytical thinking.
After reading, connect the book’s themes to your child's personal experiences to deepen their understanding and empathy.
Discuss the moral of the story and how it can be applied in daily life, reinforcing the values taught in the book.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The value of teamwork
Explanation: The characters in the book collaborate to solve a problem together, demonstrating that teamwork can lead to success.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by participating in group activities at school or in sports, learning to cooperate and value each other's contributions.
Example Lesson: The importance of honesty
Explanation: One of the characters learns the consequences of not telling the truth, and the positive outcomes when they start being honest.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to be truthful in their daily interactions and understand the trust and respect honesty can bring.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of challenges
Explanation: The protagonist encounters various challenges but keeps persevering, showing resilience.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to embrace challenges in their own lives, understanding that perseverance is key to overcoming obstacles.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: The story highlights how understanding others' feelings and perspectives can lead to stronger friendships and better conflict resolution.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to practice empathy, fostering stronger relationships and social understanding in their everyday lives.
Example Lesson: The joy of learning
Explanation: Characters in the book express curiosity and excitement about learning new things, which leads to personal growth and joy.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to stay curious and engaged in learning, exploring new topics that interest them both in and out of school.