Peanut Jones and the Illustrated City
#1 of 3 in Peanut Jones Series
on Goodreads (607)
What’s inside...
Superstar, author and illustrator Rob Biddulph dazzles in Peanut Jones and the Illustrated City, the first title in an adventure series for boys and girls of 8+. Fizzing with magic, danger, friendship, and art, this exciting, funny, middle-grade debut is from the bestselling creative genius behind Draw With Rob and Blown Away. Drawing is magical for Peanut Jones, but art can't solve all her problems. Her father has disappeared, and she's stuck in a new and boring school. Then one day, she finds a pencil with special powers and suddenly enters a world full of more color, creativity, excitement, and danger than she ever imagined. And maybe, just maybe, she can find out what happened to her father.
Character compass
Peanut Jones
Little-Bit
Rockwell
Mr. White
Discussion points
What would you draw if you had a magic pencil like Peanut Jones?
How did Peanut's adventures make you feel, and what was your favorite part of the story?
Why do you think teamwork was important for Peanut and her friends in the Illustrated City?
How do you think the challenges Peanut faced helped her grow?
If you could create your own illustrated world, what rules would it have?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their creativity by drawing scenes or characters from the book.
Discuss the emotional journey of Peanut Jones and how different situations made them feel, correlating it to your child’s personal experiences.
Highlight the importance of friendship and teamwork as shown in the book, asking your child about times they needed to work together with others.
Ask your child to imagine alternative endings or new adventures for Peanut, enhancing their problem-solving and creative thinking.
Praise your child's responses and ideas, showing genuine interest in their thoughts to foster a love for reading and discussion.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Creativity and Imagination
Explanation: In 'Peanut Jones and the Illustrated City', the protagonist, Peanut, uses her creativity to navigate through a fantastical illustrated world. Her journey showcases how imagination unlocks problem-solving and innovation.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by using their creativity to solve everyday problems or to express themselves through art, storytelling, or play, fostering innovative thinking and confidence.
Example Lesson: Courage and Resilience
Explanation: Throughout her adventures, Peanut faces various challenges and obstacles. Her courage in confronting these and resilience in overcoming them are core themes of the book.
Real-World Application: This lesson can inspire children to face their own challenges, be it at school or in social settings, with bravery and persistence, helping them to develop grit and determination.
Example Lesson: The Value of Friendship
Explanation: Peanut’s interactions and collaborations with the friends she makes in the illustrated city highlight the importance of teamwork and support.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to value and nurture friendships, understanding how cooperation and empathy can lead to accomplishing common goals and overcoming hardships together.
Example Lesson: Appreciation for Art and Culture
Explanation: The setting of the Illustrated City, rich with artistic elements and cultural references, serves to cultivate an appreciation for art in young readers.
Real-World Application: This can motivate children to explore and appreciate different forms of art and culture around them, enriching their educational experience and broadening their worldview.