Maggie McGillicuddy’s Eye for Trouble
What’s inside...
Unlike her neighbors, Maggie McGillicuddy has an eye for trouble and manages to spot it everywhere from her porch swing. As she knits, she scares off imaginary dangers like prowling tigers and slithering snakes with the sounds of her knitting needles and walking stick. However, these 'dangers' are actually harmless things like a cat or a tree root, which only Maggie perceives as threats. The story takes a playful approach to imagination and friendship when a young boy named Charlie moves next door and seems to share Maggie's vivid imagination. Author Susan Hughes and illustrator Brooke Kerrigan bring the story to life with engaging narrative and charming illustrations that encourage visual literacy and imagination among children. The tale also provides an opportunity for adults to discuss real and pretend dangers with young readers, especially when a real threat arises and Maggie has to take action to protect Charlie.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Maggie feels when she spots trouble through her binoculars?
What are some creative ways Maggie uses her imagination? Can you think of similar scenarios?
Why is it important to help others, like Maggie does?
How do the interactions between Maggie and Charlie change throughout the story?
What would you do if you were in Maggie's place and saw someone who needed help?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in Maggie’s world by asking them to describe what they would see through their own set of binoculars.
Discuss the importance of empathy and helping others, drawing parallels between Maggie’s actions and situations in your child’s life.
Foster a deep connection to the characters by asking your child how they feel about Maggie’s and Charlie’s decisions and actions throughout the book.
Utilize the illustrations in the book to ask your child to point out clues that Maggie might have seen, enhancing their attention to detail.
After reading, encourage your child to create their own story of a character who helps their community, using Maggie as inspiration.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of observation
Explanation: Maggie McGillicuddy constantly uses her keen sense of observation to keep an eye on her surroundings from her porch, leading to various imaginative scenarios.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to pay more attention to their environment, which can enhance their observatory skills and increase their awareness in everyday situations.
Example Lesson: The power of imagination
Explanation: The character imagines everyday items as adventurous elements, which portray how a strong imagination can turn ordinary into extraordinary.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to use their imagination to create fun and engaging stories in their heads from what they see around them, thereby fostering creativity.
Example Lesson: Helpfulness towards others
Explanation: Maggie is always alert and ready to help her neighborhood friends whenever she perceives trouble through her imaginative scenarios.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the value of being helpful and looking out for others, promoting empathy and community awareness.
Example Lesson: Bonding over shared activities
Explanation: Through her interactions with Charlie, Maggie shares her imaginative outlook, creating a special bond.
Real-World Application: Highlights how shared activities can enhance relationships, encouraging children to engage in cooperative play and shared storytelling.