Midnight in Memphis (Blue Bananas S.)
Blue bananas Series
What’s inside...
The Mummies are surprised when a spaceship lands on their pyramid, and a man steps out. He looks familiar, but he can't remember his name. When he starts singing at the local shopping centre, the Mummies realise their guest is a missing rock star.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-7
Length
48 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What did you think about the adventure that Tilly had in Memphis?
How do you think Tilly felt when she was exploring the city at night?
What was your favorite part of the story and why?
What would you do if you were in Memphis for one night like Tilly?
How do you think the music in Memphis changed Tilly’s experience?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing your own favorite part of the book to make your child feel more comfortable in expressing their thoughts.
Ask your child to describe the setting of Memphis using their own words to enhance their understanding and recall of the details.
Encourage your child to draw parallels between Tilly's adventure and any of their own experiences, fostering deeper personal connections with the story.
Play some blues music in the background as you discuss the story to help set the scene and make the discussion more interactive and immersive.
Highlight the significance of curiosity and exploration as demonstrated by Tilly, promoting these values in your child’s daily life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding different cultures
Explanation: The story of 'Midnight in Memphis' takes place in the vibrant city of Memphis, exposing children to the rich cultural heritage of this region, including its music and historical significance.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and respect diverse cultures, which can enhance their social interactions and global awareness.
Example Lesson: The power of teamwork
Explanation: 'Midnight in Memphis' portrays characters working together to overcome challenges, emphasizing the importance of collaboration.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the value of cooperating with others to achieve common goals, whether in school projects or team sports.
Example Lesson: Courage to explore new things
Explanation: The characters embark on a nighttime adventure in Memphis, showcasing bravery and curiosity.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to be curious and explore new activities or subjects, fostering a lifelong love of learning and discovery.
Example Lesson: Importance of history and tradition
Explanation: Through its setting and musical references, the book highlights how past events and traditions shape our present.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to value and preserve their own cultural traditions and history, as well as explore the heritage of others.