Monkey Trouble
#127 of 164 in The Boxcar Children Series
illustrations by
What’s inside...
It's spring and all the baby animals are being born; a perfect time to visit the zoo. The Aldens join a group of kids as they all take pictures throughout the zoo, each hoping to win $500 in a photo contest. When one of the cameras is missing, the Aldens take on the mystery and save the day.
Discussion points
What do you think made the monkeys cause trouble? How would you solve a problem like that?
How do you think the characters felt when the monkeys were causing trouble? Can you describe a time you felt the same way?
What did you learn from the way the characters handled the situation? Would you have done anything differently?
Why is teamwork important, especially when solving big problems like in the story?
If you could talk to the monkeys, what would you tell them?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in the story, which can help deepen their understanding of the characters' emotions and actions. Ask your child to relate the story events to their personal experiences, fostering empathy and personal connections to the themes of the book. Use expressive questions that require more than yes or no answers to promote critical thinking. Highlight the importance of teamwork as shown in the book to teach valuable social skills. Have fun with imaginative play or drawing, asking your child to create an alternative ending or their own 'trouble-making' monkey scene.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: In 'Monkey Trouble', the main character learns to take care of a mischievous monkey, highlighting the importance of being responsible for another being's welfare.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by taking on small responsibilities at home, like caring for a pet or keeping their room tidy.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: The story showcases the protagonist dealing with various challenges caused by the monkey, teaching children how to think critically and solve problems effectively.
Real-World Application: This can help children in understanding how to approach and resolve conflicts or challenges they face in school or with friends.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: Through the narrative, children learn to understand and share the feelings of others, particularly from the perspective of the monkey and its antics.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to be more considerate and understanding towards the feelings and situations of others around them.
Example Lesson: Consequences of Actions
Explanation: The book illustrates how the monkey's actions lead to various consequences, teaching children that their actions have impacts.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to foresee the consequences of their actions and make thoughtful decisions in their daily interactions.