Monkey
Furry tales Series
on Goodreads (16)
What’s inside...
Teenager Harry is bullied at school and has a difficult home life where he's expected to do chores. His mother, who works at a hospital, wants him to help a crippled man there. This experience becomes a turning point in Harry's life, leading to dramatic changes. (Ab 13 J.)
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-9
Length
200 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Monkey felt when he was trying to solve the puzzle?
What would you have done if you were in Monkey’s place during his adventure?
Why is it important to help others, like Monkey helped his friends in the story?
What was your favorite part of the book and why?
How did Monkey change from the beginning of the book to the end?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to put themselves in Monkey’s shoes, promoting empathy and understanding. Discuss the moral of the story and relate it to real-life situations your child may encounter. Use expressive reading to keep the story engaging, changing your tone of voice to match the emotions and actions. Ask your child to predict what might happen next in the story to keep them thinking ahead. After reading, tie back to the key themes by asking your child how they might apply Monkey’s lessons in their own life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: In 'Monkey,' the protagonist learns to understand and share the feelings of other characters, fostering a sense of empathy.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by recognizing emotions in others and responding with kindness and understanding in their interactions.
Example Lesson: Courage
Explanation: The main character faces challenges bravely, showing readers the importance of courage even when afraid.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to take on new challenges confidently, whether it's trying out for a school play or standing up against bullying.
Example Lesson: Friendship
Explanation: The story highlights the value of building strong, supportive friendships and how they can help overcome obstacles.
Real-World Application: Kids learn the importance of being good friends in their own lives, helping and supporting their peers through tough times.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: The protagonist tackles problems creatively, demonstrating effective problem-solving strategies.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to think outside the box and use innovative thinking to resolve conflicts and solve puzzles or school assignments.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Throughout the book, taking responsibility for one’s actions is a recurring theme.
Real-World Application: Teaches children to accept and learn from their mistakes, and to understand the consequences of their actions in daily life.