Prankenstein
#1 in Prankenstein Series
What’s inside...
When Soapy Thompson's granny is shot through the roof on a turbo-charged stairlift, he knows something is not right. Someone, or something, is playing hilarious pranks on his family, neighbors, and teachers. Soapy and his friends set out to solve the mystery and discover that the culprit is a hairy superhuman figure with a shocking secret! Their adventure leads them to face the mysterious Prankenstein, whose identity and motives are finally uncovered.
Character compass
Soapy Thompson
Prankenstein
Discussion points
What do you think motivates Prankenstein to play pranks on others?
How do the characters in the book respond to Prankenstein’s pranks? What would you do if you were in their place?
Can you think of a prank that is funny but also kind? How would you plan it?
What are the consequences of Prankenstein’s actions? Do you think he learns anything from them?
If you could give Prankenstein one piece of advice, what would it be?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to put themselves in the shoes of both Prankenstein and the other characters. This fosters empathy and understanding of different perspectives.
Discuss the difference between good-natured fun and actions that might hurt others. Use examples from the book to illustrate these points.
Prompt your child to think creatively by asking them to come up with their own pranks that are harmless and fun.
Explore the consequences of actions with your child, discussing what Prankenstein could have done differently, and asking your child how they might act in similar situations.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Responsibility for one's actions
Explanation: In 'Prankenstein', the protagonist learns that every prank has consequences, and he must own up to them, teaching readers about accountability.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this understanding to their everyday interactions, recognizing that their choices impact others and learning to take responsibility for their actions.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: The story illustrates how the feelings of others are affected by pranks, helping young readers develop a sense of empathy and compassion towards the feelings of their peers.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to consider others' emotions before acting, fostering a more considerate and empathetic approach in their social interactions.
Example Lesson: Creativity and problem-solving
Explanation: As the character devises various pranks, he demonstrates creativity and sharp thinking, which are highlighted as positive traits when used ethically.
Real-World Application: Kids are encouraged to channel their creativity into constructive activities and to think creatively when faced with challenges.
Example Lesson: The value of honesty
Explanation: Throughout the book, the importance of being truthful is a recurring theme, especially when facing the consequences of one's pranks.
Real-World Application: Teaching children the importance of honesty helps them develop trust in their relationships and integrity in their actions.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and collaboration
Explanation: The protagonist often collaborates with friends to execute pranks, showcasing how teamwork can make challenging tasks more manageable.
Real-World Application: Encouraging children to work cooperatively with others can help them achieve greater accomplishments and build stronger social skills.