Moody Margaret Strikes Back: Jokes and Dares! (Horrid Henry Book 1)
Horrid Henry's Joke Books, Horrid Henry Series
What’s inside...
Moody Margaret and the Secret Club strike back! With their most ingenious dares and hilarious jokes, it's time for the girls to get their own back on Henry and his friends. But Henry isn't about to let anyone get the better of him, resulting in a hilariously horrid showdown! Filled with witty comments and acerbic asides from Henry and Margaret's friends, enemies, families and teachers, along with brand new Tony Ross illustrations, this book should keep Henry's (and Margaret's!) fans mischievously quiet.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-7
Length
64 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think makes Margaret feel moody, and how does she express these feelings?
If you were Henry, how would you handle Margaret's jokes and dares?
What did you learn about handling disagreements or conflicts from the story?
How do you think the story would change if Margaret and Henry worked together instead of against each other?
What was your favorite part of the book, and why did it stand out to you?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before starting the book, ask your child what they think a 'moody' person might be like and discuss their thoughts.
While reading, pause at tense moments and ask your child what they would do in similar situations.
Encourage your child to relate the characters' experiences to their own, such as times they’ve felt moody or dealt with a tricky friend.
After finishing the book, have a discussion about the importance of understanding and managing emotions, using examples from Margaret’s and Henry's reactions.
Propose role-playing a scene from the book, which can help deepen your child's understanding of the characters' emotions and choices.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Throughout 'Moody Margaret Strikes Back: Jokes and Dares!', characters face consequences for their actions, emphasizing the importance of being responsible.
Real-World Application: Children can reflect on the importance of considering the consequences of their actions before acting, promoting a sense of responsibility in their daily activities.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: As characters interact and react to each other's feelings, the story provides numerous situations demonstrating empathy.
Real-World Application: It encourages children to understand and share the feelings of others, enhancing their ability to connect and build relationships.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: Characters in the book frequently face challenges and setbacks, showing how they cope and overcome them.
Real-World Application: Inspires children to adapt and persist in the face of difficulties, instilling an attitude that setbacks are a natural part of growth.
Example Lesson: Creative Problem Solving
Explanation: The book showcases characters coming up with inventive solutions to challenges, highlighting creativity in problem-solving.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to think out of the box and harness creativity to navigate everyday problems and challenges.