My Mum the Pirate (Wacky Families, 01)
#1 of 8 in Wacky Families Series
on Goodreads (88)
What’s inside...
Cecil's life is far from ordinary with a pirate for a mom who makes her enemies walk the plank and serves sea monster soup for dinner. Cecil longs for a normal life and worries about his street cred, especially with parent-teacher night approaching. However, when a flood threatens his school, it's up to his mom and her pirate crew to save the day. This humorous and adventurous tale from the Wacky Family series by Jackie French and Stephen Michael King is perfect for young readers aged 7 and up.
Discussion points
What would you do if your mum was a pirate? How do you think everyday life would be different?
What character traits do you admire in Cecilia’s mum? How do those traits help her in her pirate adventures?
Why do you think Cecilia’s mum chose to be a pirate? What would you choose if you could be anything?
How did Cecilia feel about her mum being a pirate? Can you relate to her feelings?
What are some ways Cecilia’s mum showed her love for her family, even while being a pirate?
Tip: Role play these questions
Foster curiosity and imagination by asking what adventures they might embark on if they were pirates. Validate feelings and thoughts as they relate to unconventional choices, like Cecilia’s mum being a pirate. Encourage empathy by discussing the different emotions Cecilia experiences. Highlight the fun in reading by using playful tones and expressions when discussing the book’s quirky scenarios. Always connect the story back to real-life values like courage, love, and individuality.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Uniqueness
Explanation: The book portrays Cecilia’s mother as a quirky pirate, different from usual parents. This highlights the importance of embracing individual differences.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate and celebrate the uniqueness in themselves and others, promoting inclusivity and self-confidence in daily interactions.
Example Lesson: Importance of Family Bonds
Explanation: Different family activities, like pirate adventures, strengthen Cecilia's relationship with her mum, showing the significance of family time.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to value and prioritize spending quality time with family, strengthening familial relationships.
Example Lesson: Courage to Face Challenges
Explanation: Cecilia and her pirate mum often tackle obstacles during their adventures, teaching resilience and bravery.
Real-World Application: Instills the value of courage in children when they face their own challenges, whether at school or in social situations.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Imagination
Explanation: The adventures of Cecilia with her pirate mum are filled with imaginative scenarios that foster creative thinking.
Real-World Application: Promotes the use of imagination and creativity in problem-solving and play, vital skills for personal and academic growth.
Example Lesson: Understanding Differences in Others
Explanation: Through various characters in the book, children are exposed to diverse backgrounds and lifestyles, teaching empathy and understanding.
Real-World Application: Helps children navigate and respect diversity in their communities, contributing to a more inclusive society.