Mr Frumble's Coffee Shop Disaster (Richard Scarry's Best Stories Ever)
#1 in Canadian History Series
on Goodreads (116)
What’s inside...
In 'Mr. Frumble's Coffee Shop Disaster,' part of Richard Scarry's Best Stories Ever, Mr. Frumble's attempts to help out at a coffee shop lead to a series of mishaps, including spilling coffee and mixing up orders. Despite the chaos, his endearing nature and the community's response underscore themes of forgiveness and teamwork. The story features Scarry's whimsical illustrations and engaging characters. Additionally, 'This is the fascinating story of the French regime in Canada,' highlights the dramatic, colorful, and courageous days of North America's past. Costain provides a balanced portrayal of the period's romance, drama, and human aspiration, capturing the essence of the people who lived through these unbalanced yet captivating times.
Character compass
Mr. Frumble
Discussion points
What do you think Mr. Frumble felt when he caused the coffee shop disaster, and why?
How did the other characters react to the mess in the coffee shop?
If you were at the coffee shop, what would you have done to help Mr. Frumble?
What are some ways we can help others when they make a mistake?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading: Enhance the storytelling by changing your voice for different characters. This keeps the child engaged and makes the story more lively.
Ask reflective questions: After reading the story, ask your child how they might feel in similar situations, fostering empathy and understanding.
Relate the story to real life: Discuss any similar experiences your child might have had, such as accidentally making a mess, and how they resolved it.
Encourage problem-solving: Discuss different ways Mr. Frumble could have solved his predicament and invite your child to come up with creative solutions.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: In the story, Mr. Frumble causes a series of mishaps by accidentally bringing his pet fish to the coffee shop. This teaches children the importance of being responsible and aware of their actions and belongings.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by taking care of their toys, completing homework on time, and being mindful of their actions towards others in real-life situations.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: Throughout the book, Mr. Frumble attempts to rectify the chaos he caused, showcasing problem-solving skills. This aspect encourages children to think critically and solve problems they encounter.
Real-World Application: Kids can use this insight to tackle challenges at school, such as resolving conflicts with friends or finding solutions to puzzles and assignments.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: Despite repeated failures, Mr. Frumble keeps trying to fix the situations he has caused, displaying perseverance. This teaches children the value of persistence when facing difficulties.
Real-World Application: This lesson can be reflected in a child persisting with learning a new skill or sport, or continuing to work on challenging tasks without giving up.
Example Lesson: Consequences of Actions
Explanation: The story highlights the consequences of Mr. Frumble's careless actions within the coffee shop, helping children understand that every action has a result.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand the importance of thinking before acting and being cautious about how their behaviors could affect others and themselves.