Mr Badger and the Missing Ape
#2 of 4 in Mr. Badger Series
on Goodreads (25)
What’s inside...
The second in the delightful series featuring the special events manager of London's Boubles Grand Hotel, Mr. Badger. He is not just the Special Event manager at the Boubles Grand Hotel (pronounced Boublay) but also has many important responsibilities due to his long tenure and deep knowledge about the hotel. One of his most important tasks is keeping an eye on Algernon, a big ape who has been standing still in a glass case in the hotel's foyer for as long as anyone can remember. Everyone is shocked when Algernon goes missing. The story follows Mr. Badger as he tries to solve the mystery of the missing ape.
Character compass
Mr. Badger
Discussion points
Why do you think Mr. Badger was so determined to find the missing ape?
How did the other characters in the story react to the missing ape? What does that tell us about them?
What would you have done if you were in Mr. Badger's place?
How do you think the story would change if the ape wasn't missing?
What did you learn from Mr. Badger's adventure about helping others?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to put themselves in Mr. Badger’s shoes, fostering empathy and problem-solving skills. Discuss the various emotions characters exhibit in the book to enhance emotional intelligence. Utilize the questions to expand their thinking and connect the themes of the book to real-world scenarios they might encounter. Lastly, celebrate creative thinking by asking what alternative endings they can imagine.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Collaboration
Explanation: Mr. Badger works with others in the hotel to solve the mystery of the missing ape, showcasing the importance of collaborating to achieve a common goal.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by working together with classmates on group projects or team sports, learning the value of cooperation and diverse skills.
Example Lesson: Problem-Solving Skills
Explanation: Throughout the book, Mr. Badger demonstrates critical thinking and problem-solving abilities which are key in discovering what happened to the missing ape.
Real-World Application: Kids can use similar critical thinking skills to tackle their own puzzles and challenges, whether in academic settings or in everyday decision-making situations.
Example Lesson: Responsibility and Reliability
Explanation: Mr. Badger takes his duties at the Boubles Grand Hotel very seriously, showing how taking responsibility leads to trust and respect from others.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of being reliable and responsible in their tasks, such as homework or chores, which helps build trust with adults and peers.
Example Lesson: Kindness and Compassion
Explanation: Mr. Badger treats all guests and staff with kindness, regardless of the situation, highlighting the power of empathy and understanding.
Real-World Application: Children learn to express compassion and kindness towards their friends and family members, fostering better relationships and a supportive community.