Lunch Buddies: Battle in the Backyard
#3 in Lunch Buddies Series
on Goodreads (8)
What’s inside...
Lunch time is about to get stupendously silly in New York Times bestselling creator Daniel Wiseman's graphic novel debut, a delicious new series for fans of Pizza and Taco! Marco makes the BEST sandwiches in the world. After school, he's ready to chow down with all the best ingredients, including his mom's fresh baked hoagie roll, bologna, cheddar cheese, lettuce, and a special sauce. Things take a strange turn when his sandwich starts talking, and Marco discovers his miraculous meal might just be his new best friend. Together, they bond over music and cheese, but their friendship is tested by a group of breakdancing squirrels.
Discussion points
What do you think made the characters want to have a battle in the backyard?
How did the characters' feelings change throughout the story?
Why is it important to work together, even when you're in a competition?
What would you have done differently if you were one of the characters?
How do you think the story would have ended if the characters hadn't resolved their conflict?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading: Change your tone and pace to match the emotions and actions in the story to keep your child engaged.
Ask follow-up questions: After discussing the key questions, dig deeper by asking your child how they relate personally to the events in the book.
Connect to real life: Relate the story’s themes to your child's experiences, such as teamwork in family or school activities.
Encourage creative thinking: Ask your child to imagine a different ending or an additional adventure for the characters.
Highlight the lessons: Emphasize the moral or lesson learned by the characters and relate it to real-life values.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Cooperation
Explanation: In 'Lunch Buddies: Battle in the Backyard,' the characters must work together to organize a picnic. This collaboration is demonstrated when they share tasks and solve problems collectively.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by participating in group activities at school or in sports, learning the importance of working together to achieve common goals.
Example Lesson: Conflict Resolution
Explanation: Throughout the story, the characters encounter several disputes which they must resolve to continue their picnic. They learn to talk out their differences and find solutions that work for everyone.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to address conflicts with peers calmly and thoughtfully, using communication to understand different perspectives and come to agreements.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Innovation
Explanation: To overcome challenges in setting up their backyard picnic, characters use creative solutions. This highlights the value of thinking outside the box.
Real-World Application: Children learn to use their imagination to solve problems and make daily activities more enjoyable and efficient, fostering a love for innovation.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Each character in the book takes responsibility for different aspects of the picnic, teaching accountability.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to take responsibility for their actions and duties, from completing homework to performing household chores.
Example Lesson: Enjoyment of Nature
Explanation: The story is set in a vibrant backyard, which underscores the importance of spending time outdoors and appreciating nature.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to explore and value their natural surroundings, promoting activities like hiking, gardening, or playing outside.