Pond Crab in The Troubled Forest: The Adventures of
#1 in The Adventures of Pond Crab Series
What’s inside...
A young girl named Pond Crab is in a dreamscape—a candy-filled world of sweet and sour characters living in enchanted scenery with lollipop grass, jelly-fruit trees, and caramel creeks. Pond Crab is searching for her stuffed-animal friend, Hippi Monkey Pony, learning right from wrong while journeying through the troubled forest and encountering the evil king The Skunk-Billed Platta Moose, before making it successfully back home. Pond Crab rises above her fears and overcomes evil because her love for a friend is strong as she and others learn the significant value of individuality and the peril of discrimination.
Discussion points
What do you think Pond Crab felt when he first entered the Troubled Forest?
Can you describe a time when you overcame a challenge, just like Pond Crab did?
What would you do if you were in Pond Crab's place when he met the forest creatures?
How do you think the forest creatures felt about Pond Crab by the end of the story?
What did you learn from Pond Crab's adventures that you can use in your own life?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, ask your child what they think the story might be about just by looking at the cover. This sets the stage for active reading.
Pause at key moments in the story to ask your child how they think a character is feeling, promoting empathy and understanding.
After reading, encourage your child to draw a scene from the book, helping them express their understanding and interpretation creatively.
Link the story’s challenges to real-life situations your child may encounter, enhancing practical learning from the book.
End your discussion by asking your child if they would like to read more about adventures, expanding their interest and encouraging further reading.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The Importance of Teamwork
Explanation: In 'Pond Crab in The Troubled Forest', the protagonist and his friends work together to solve the challenges they face in the forest.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by collaborating with peers in group tasks at school or during play to achieve common goals.
Example Lesson: Respect for Nature
Explanation: The story teaches children about the significance of respecting and preserving nature as the characters interact with their environment and face the consequences of not treating it well.
Real-World Application: Kids can be encouraged to participate in environmental conservation activities such as recycling and planting trees.
Example Lesson: Courage and Facing Fears
Explanation: The main character shows bravery when confronting obstacles that scare them, providing a model for handling fears.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand the value of facing their fears whether it's trying out new activities, or standing up for themselves and others.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: Throughout the book, the characters encounter various problems that they must think through and solve.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to apply critical thinking skills to overcome challenges in their studies and personal interactions.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: As the Pond Crab interacts with other creatures of the forest, they learn to understand different perspectives and show empathy.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to be empathetic towards their peers, understanding different emotions and viewpoints.