Moxy Maxwell Does Not Love Stuart Little
#1 in Moxy Maxwell Series
on Goodreads (1,573)
What’s inside...
Here's the first book in the hilarious Moxy Maxwell series, which includes Moxy Maxwell Does Not Love Writing Thank-you Notes and Moxy Maxwell Does Not Love Practicing the Piano. It follows Moxy Maxwell as she tries to finish her summer reading of Stuart Little before the fourth grade starts. Despite being inseparable with the book all summer, Moxy finds herself busy with other tasks, making it difficult to read. With the help of her twin brother Mark's photographs documenting her activities, Moxy eventually manages to finish the book, falling in love with it and reading late into the night.
Discussion points
How do you think Moxy felt about reading 'Stuart Little' and why do you think she felt that way?
What are some ways Moxy tries to avoid her responsibilities and what do you think she learns by the end of the book?
Can you relate to how Moxy deals with her procrastination? How do you handle tasks you don’t enjoy?
How do Moxy’s relationships with her family members affect her actions and decisions throughout the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about reading and any tasks they might be avoiding. Use Moxy’s experiences to discuss the importance of responsibility and the consequences of procrastination. Highlight the growth of Moxy’s character and ask your child to think about how they might have handled similar situations. Share personal experiences dealing with similar feelings or tasks to create a deeper connection and understanding.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of responsibility
Explanation: Moxy Maxwell is tasked with reading 'Stuart Little' over the summer but procrastinates, leading to various humorous yet chaotic situations. Her journey demonstrates the consequences of avoiding responsibilities.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to manage their assignments or chores timely to avoid last-minute stress and ensure they enjoy free time guilt-free.
Example Lesson: The power of perseverance
Explanation: Throughout the book, Moxy faces multiple obstacles but continues to try to accomplish her goal of finishing the book, showcasing her evolving commitment.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of persisting through difficulties to achieve their goals, whether it's completing a homework assignment or learning a new skill.
Example Lesson: Creativity in problem-solving
Explanation: Moxy uses creative, albeit sometimes misguided, strategies to try to complete her reading assignment. This highlights how thinking outside the box can lead to unique solutions.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to apply creative thinking to overcome challenges they face in school or at play.
Example Lesson: The impact of honest communication
Explanation: Moxy's struggles partly stem from her lack of communication about her true feelings towards her reading assignment. When she opens up, she finds more support and understanding from her family.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand the importance of expressing their thoughts and feelings openly, particularly in asking for help when needed.
Example Lesson: Learning to love reading
Explanation: Despite her initial reluctance, Moxy eventually finds joy in reading 'Stuart Little'. This change reflects the idea that sometimes persistence leads to discovering new interests or passions.
Real-World Application: It encourages children to approach reading with an open mind, potentially finding enjoyment in books they initially resist.