Ra the Mighty: The Great Tomb Robbery
#2 in Ra the Mighty: Cat Detective Series
What’s inside...
A smug royal cat turned detective and his dung beetle sidekick are on the case when a precious tomb gets ransacked in the Valley of the Kings. Ra the Mighty adores his duties as Pharaoh's cat: naps by the pool and plenty of snacks. Being lazy is so much fun. But when a royal tomb gets robbed, Ra and his hardworking friend Khepri must team up to restore justice. The clues point to a young boy whom Ra admires. Will the Great Detective play favorites, or will he uncover the truth? Mystery awaits! More than thirty wacky illustrations with fun historical details bring these oddball characters to life, along with a glossary, pronunciation guide, and detailed author's note about ancient Egypt. Fans of Bad Kitty will love Ra's witty voice and arrogant antics. Pair with companion, Ra the Mighty: Cat Detective. A Junior Library Guild Selection!
Discussion points
Why do you think Ra the Mighty wanted to solve the mystery? What does this tell us about his character?
How do the different characters in the book work together to solve the mystery? Can you think of a time when you had to work with others to achieve something?
What are some of the key clues that helped Ra and his friends solve the mystery? How did they use their observations to make conclusions?
What did you learn about Ancient Egypt from this story? What did you find most interesting about their culture?
How did the story make you feel at different points? Were there any surprises that changed how you felt?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to put themselves in the shoes of Ra the Mighty, asking them how they would handle the challenges faced by the character.
Discuss the teamwork aspect of the story, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and asking your child about times they've had to collaborate in their own lives.
Use the historical setting of Ancient Egypt as a springboard to explore more about the era, perhaps looking at books or online resources together to learn more.
After reading, ask your child to summarize the story in their own words, which helps reinforce comprehension and gives them a chance to voice any questions or thoughts about the plot and characters.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of teamwork
Explanation: Ra the Mighty, a cat, and Khepri, a scarab beetle, work together using their unique skills to solve mysteries. Their collaboration is key to their success in uncovering the tomb robbery.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to value cooperative play and teamwork in school projects or sports, recognizing that everyone has unique strengths that contribute to achieving a common goal.
Example Lesson: Critical thinking and problem-solving
Explanation: Throughout the book, Ra and Khepri face various challenges and puzzles that require them to think critically and devise clever solutions.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to approach obstacles in their lives with a problem-solving attitude, enhancing their reasoning skills and decision-making capabilities.
Example Lesson: Integrity and justice
Explanation: Ra the Mighty is dedicated to solving the mystery fairly, demonstrating honesty and a strong moral compass during the investigation.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of honesty and fairness in their interactions and the value of standing up for what is right in their communities and schools.
Example Lesson: The value of persistence
Explanation: Despite the difficulties they encounter, Ra and Khepri do not give up on their mission. Their persistence is a crucial factor in their success.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of perseverance in achieving goals, whether it's completing a difficult homework assignment or pursuing a long-term project.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and learning
Explanation: The protagonists' quest to solve the mystery fuels their curiosity and leads them to discover new facts about their world and history.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to explore new subjects, ask questions, and embrace learning as an exciting adventure.