Malcolm and the Cloud Stealer (Hippo Fantasy)
Last Legionary Series
on Goodreads (7)
What’s inside...
In this fantasy adventure, Malcolm and his animal friends embark on a quest to save their world from a terrible drought, facing various obstacles and challenges along the way.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-12
Length
160 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think made Malcolm brave enough to confront the Cloud Stealer?
How do you feel about the way Malcolm solved his problems? What would you have done differently?
The story takes place in a whimsical world. What was your favorite part of this world, and why?
Malcolm met many different characters. Which one was your favorite, or which one would you like to meet, and what would you ask them?
How do you think the clouds felt being taken away by the Cloud Stealer? What does this tell us about respecting others' belongings?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story by reflecting on Malcolm's actions. Use the questions to guide a deeper understanding of the narrative and its moral lessons. Highlight parallels between Malcolm's adventures and real-life challenges to make the conversation relevant. Ask your child to imagine alternative endings or different solutions to the problems presented in the story to foster creativity and critical thinking. Lastly, emphasize the importance of courage and kindness throughout your discussion to reinforce these values.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage and Bravery
Explanation: In 'Malcolm and the Cloud Stealer', Malcolm faces various challenges and dangers to save the clouds from being stolen. His journey showcases acts of bravery and determination.
Real-World Application: Children can understand the importance of facing fears and standing up for what is right, even when it might be difficult. This can be applied in everyday situations like standing up against bullying or trying new activities that might seem scary at first.
Example Lesson: Friendship and Teamwork
Explanation: Throughout the story, Malcolm collaborates with different characters to achieve a common goal. This highlights the value of teamwork and how working together can solve problems that seem insurmountable alone.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand how cooperating with others can lead to successful outcomes in group activities at school or during play, encouraging them to value and nurture relationships.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Malcolm takes on the responsibility to save the clouds, demonstrating accountability for his actions and decisions throughout his quest.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of being responsible for their actions and the role they play in their own lives and environments. It can be applied to taking care of their belongings, completing homework on time, or taking on chores at home.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Problem Solving
Explanation: The book presents various scenarios where Malcolm must think creatively to navigate obstacles. His ability to come up with innovative solutions is a key element in the adventure.
Real-World Application: Children learn the significance of creative thinking and problem-solving in overcoming obstacles, which can be useful in academic settings or personal challenges.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: Malcolm faces setbacks during his quest, but he remains resilient and persistent. This resilience is crucial in achieving his goals.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to develop resilience in the face of their own challenges, understanding that setbacks are part of growth and learning. They can apply this in dealing with academic struggles or personal disappointments.