Moxy Maxwell Does Not Love Writing Thank-you Notes
#2 in Moxy Maxwell Series
What’s inside...
Here's the second book in the hilarious Moxy Maxwell series, which includes Moxy Maxwell Does Not Love Stuart Little and Moxy Maxwell Does Not Love Practicing the Piano. It isn't as though Moxy isn't grateful for her Christmas presents. She is. She's just not thrilled that she has to write a thank-you note for each one by tomorrow... or she will not be allowed to fly to Hollywood to attend a star-studded Hollywood bash with the father she hasn't seen in three years. And writing thank-you notes is not something that a world-class Creative Type relishes doing. But it is more than writing thank-you notes that finally prevents Moxy from taking her trip. When her father cancels at the last minute, Moxy is forced to deal with the reality of a situation she doesn’t want to accept, and can’t change. But, not surprisingly, she rises to the occasion brilliantly.
Character compass
Moxy Maxwell
Mark Maxwell
Mrs. Maxwell
Discussion points
Why do you think Moxy struggles with writing thank-you notes? Have you ever felt similar about a task?
How did Moxy's feelings about writing thank-you notes change throughout the book? What do you think caused these changes?
What are some creative ways Moxy tries to avoid writing her thank-you notes? What would you have done in her place?
Why is it important to show gratitude, like writing thank-you notes, even when it's challenging?
How did the other characters in the story react to Moxy’s behavior and how did it affect her?
Tip: Role play these questions
Relate the story to your child’s own experiences with tasks they find challenging or avoid doing. Discuss similarities and differences in feelings and outcomes.
Encourage your child to think of creative and fun ways to complete tasks they don’t enjoy, drawing inspiration from Moxy’s many tactics.
Discuss the importance of gratitude and acknowledging help or gifts from others. Brainstorm together about different ways to express thanks.
Praise your child for engaging in the conversation and sharing their thoughts, to make them feel comfortable and validated in expressing their opinions.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Moxy struggles with procrastination when tasked with writing thank-you notes, highlighting the importance of fulfilling responsibilities even when they are not enjoyable.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to complete their chores, homework, or other duties promptly, understanding that it’s part of being dependable and trustworthy.
Example Lesson: Creativity as a problem-solving tool
Explanation: Throughout the book, Moxy uses imaginative ways to avoid her thank-you note task, which showcases her creative thinking skills even though it’s applied inappropriately.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to use their creativity to solve real problems or enhance their learning experience, rather than using it to avoid responsibilities.
Example Lesson: Consequences of procrastination
Explanation: As Moxy delays writing her thank-you notes, the situation escalates and becomes more stressful, demonstrating the negative outcomes of putting off important tasks.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the significance of managing time wisely and the benefits of not delaying important tasks to avoid unnecessary stress.
Example Lesson: Communication
Explanation: The main task in the book involves writing thank-you notes, which itself is a fundamental form of communication, emphasizing the importance of expressing gratitude.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to regularly express their appreciation verbally or through writing, fostering a habit of gratitude and enhancing their interpersonal skills.