Messy Bessey (Revised Edition) (A Rookie Reader)
#1 of 5 in Rookie Reader Series
on Goodreads (69)
What’s inside...
Rookie Readers (Ages 5-7) have provided entertaining, high-quality introductions to reading for more than a generation. Each title features full-color, often hilarious illustrations and engaging stories that always involve a young child figuring out concepts or solving problems on his or her own. Bessey finally cleans up her messy room. Every new title contains a Word List and a color-coded reading-level key on the back cover.
Discussion points
What do you think Messy Bessey learned by the end of the book?
Why is it important to keep our spaces clean? How do you feel when your space is tidy versus when it's messy?
Can you think of a time when you helped clean up like Bessey did? What did you do and how did it make you feel?
What would you have done differently if you were in Bessey's place?
How do you think Bessey's friends felt when they saw the clean clubhouse?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading to bring the story to life, emphasizing the emotions Bessey feels throughout the book to help your child connect with the character.
After reading, encourage your child to relate the story to their own experiences by discussing times they've faced similar situations.
Praise your child for thoughtful responses and encourage them to think deeper by asking follow-up questions related to their answers.
Create a fun post-reading activity, like organizing a small space together, to reinforce the book’s theme of cleanliness and teamwork.
Ask your child to draw their favorite scene from the book, then describe why they chose that particular moment.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Messy Bessey learns the importance of cleaning up after herself as she tackles the clutter in her closet.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by keeping their own spaces tidy, such as their rooms or desks at school.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: Bessey faces the challenge of an overflowing closet and devises a plan to organize her belongings.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to think critically and find solutions to their own organizational challenges in daily life.
Example Lesson: Sharing
Explanation: After organizing her things, Bessey decides to give away items she no longer needs, learning the value of sharing with others.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to donate toys they no longer play with or share their belongings with friends, fostering generosity.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: Bessey continues to clean and organize, even when the task seems daunting.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of persisting with tasks until completion, valuable for school projects and personal goals.
Example Lesson: Independence
Explanation: Through taking initiative to clean her closet without being asked, Bessey demonstrates self-reliance.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to take on tasks independently, enhancing their self-confidence and autonomy.