Ninja Meerkats (#8) Outback Attack
#8 of 8 in Ninja Meerkats Series
on Goodreads (19)
What’s inside...
Legend tells of the Clan of the Scorpion, four mighty meerkats who are armed to the teeth with ninja-know-how. They are sworn to protect the world from their longtime nemesis, the Ringmaster. Small, deadly and furry, The Ninja Meerkats are four warriors on a mission. In Book 8 in The Ninja Meerkats series, the meerkats receive strange reports from the Australian outback. They fly down under to investigate, and discover strange goings-on in the desert. Who else could be behind it but that top-hatted menace, the Ringmaster? He is building missiles to take control of the world. With boxing kangaroos and killer koalas, not to mention the Ringmaster's crew of deadly circus goons, this is one deadly desert mission. A hilarious series for boys, featuring death-defying meerkat action! Full of comical characters, daft puns, fast dialogue and even faster action, these books are irresistible to boys aged around six to eight years.
Discussion points
What qualities do you think make the Ninja Meerkats good team members? Can you think of a time when you worked well in a team?
How do the meerkats use their different skills to solve problems? What are some skills you have that help you solve problems?
What do you think about the setting of the Australian Outback? How does it affect the story?
The Ninja Meerkats encounter many challenges. What is one challenge they faced and how did they overcome it?
If you could have any adventure with the Ninja Meerkats, what would it be and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think about the teamwork aspect of the meerkats’ adventures. Discuss times when they have needed teamwork in their own lives.
Explore the moral lessons in the story. Ask your child what they would have done in similar situations faced by the meerkats.
Foster creativity by asking your child to imagine their own adventure story, perhaps even drawing scenes or characters from it.
Discuss the setting of the Outback and how different environments can influence a story. This can be expanded by looking up facts about the Australian Outback together.
Make connections between the book and your child’s experiences, encouraging them to relate personally to the characters' adventures and challenges.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and collaboration
Explanation: Throughout 'Ninja Meerkats (#8) Outback Attack', the meerkats work together to overcome obstacles and defeat their enemies. Their success is driven by their ability to strategize and collaborate effectively.
Real-World Application: Children can apply the importance of teamwork in group projects at school, sports teams, and during playtime with friends, learning that working together often leads to better outcomes.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: The meerkats face various challenges in the Australian Outback and must use their problem-solving skills to navigate through tricky situations. This aspect encourages critical thinking and quick decision-making.
Real-World Application: Kids can transfer these problem-solving skills to their academic and personal life, finding creative solutions to school assignments or everyday problems.
Example Lesson: Courage and bravery
Explanation: The meerkats exhibit bravery as they confront villains and dangerous situations head-on. Their courage is a focal point that drives the adventure forward.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of facing fears and standing up for what is right, applying this courage in standing up against bullies or trying new activities they might initially be afraid of.
Example Lesson: Adaptability
Explanation: As the meerkats travel to a new environment in the Australian Outback, they adapt to unfamiliar conditions and meet new characters, showing flexibility in their actions and attitudes.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of being adaptable when encountering new experiences or changes, such as moving to a new school or dealing with changes at home.
Example Lesson: Persistence
Explanation: Despite numerous setbacks, the Ninja Meerkats continue to pursue their goal, showcasing their determination and persistence throughout the story.
Real-World Application: This lesson can inspire children to remain determined and persistent in their own quests, whether in completing difficult tasks or achieving personal goals.