Mr. Mystery (1.0 Very First Reading)
Usborne Very First Reading Series
on Goodreads (63)
What’s inside...
A magical story that serves as an inspiration for beginner readers and is based on the principles of synthetic phonics. It supports the 'Letters and Sounds' program used in many UK primary schools. The child reads with adult support, gaining practice with longer words and more complicated spelling patterns. The book includes fun puzzles to test understanding and encourage further reading practice. It is the fifteenth title in the 'Usborne Very First Reading' series, designed to introduce young children to reading together with their parents. The series encourages shared reading, where parents and children take turns reading from the page, with text clearly marked for each reader. As the series progresses, the child gradually reads more and the adult less. The book also contains puzzles to assess comprehension and guidance notes for parents, all accompanied by beautiful illustrations to motivate beginner readers.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
2-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think Mr. Mystery will find on his next adventure?
How do you think the characters felt when they solved the mystery?
What would you do if you were a character in this book?
Can you think of a mystery you would like to solve?
How do you think teamwork helped the characters in the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in the story, boosting empathy and problem-solving skills. Ask them how they might feel or act if they were part of Mr. Mystery's adventures. Complement the reading by suggesting your child draw or write their own mystery story, fostering creativity and reinforcing comprehension. Remember to praise their ideas and questions, making the reading experience positive and rewarding.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: In 'Mr. Mystery,' children are introduced to simple mysteries that the characters work through. This approach encourages critical thinking and problem-solving within an engaging narrative.
Real-World Application: Children can apply these skills in real life when faced with their own problems or puzzles, learning to think critically about possible solutions.
Example Lesson: The value of teamwork
Explanation: The characters in the book often collaborate to solve the mysteries, demonstrating the importance of working together and combining strengths to achieve a common goal.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the importance of cooperation and communication in group settings like in school projects or during playtime with others.
Example Lesson: Enhancing reading skills
Explanation: Designed for very first readers, 'Mr. Mystery' uses simple language and repeated phrases to help children develop their reading abilities.
Real-World Application: Regular reading of such books helps build a child's vocabulary and improves their confidence in reading, potentially fostering a lifelong reading habit.
Example Lesson: Cultivating curiosity
Explanation: The mystery element in the book stimulates curiosity and engagement, as children are motivated to read further to find out what happens next.
Real-World Application: Fostering curiosity encourages children to explore their surrounding world, ask questions, and seek knowledge actively both academically and in everyday life.
Example Lesson: Understanding cause and effect
Explanation: By working through the mysteries and seeing how characters solve them, children learn about cause and effect, gaining insight into how actions lead to outcomes.
Real-World Application: This understanding can help children grasp the concept of consequences and encourage thoughtful decision-making in their daily activities.