Recipe for Disaster
#9 of 10 in Franny K. Stein, Mad Scientist Series
on Goodreads (89)
What’s inside...
Franny K. Stein is back with another laugh-out-loud experimental adventure in the ninth book in the Mad Scientist series from Jim Benton, the New York Times bestselling author-illustrator of the Dear Dumb Diary and It's Happy Bunny series. Franny K. Stein isn't a good baker. But when she sees that the fundraisers for the art and music departments at her school aren't making enough money, she decides to take matters into her own hands. Using her genius mind and kitchen, which is really just another type of laboratory, she sets out to create The Most Delicious Muffin On Earth! Sales, of course, go through the roof. But bad things can happen when people become exposed to the best thing they've ever tasted. They can become...overenthusiastic.
Character compass
Franny K. Stein
Discussion points
What do you think makes the recipe in the story a disaster? How would you change it to make it better?
If you could create a magical recipe, what would it include and what would it do?
How do the characters react to the disaster? What would you do if you were in their shoes?
Why is teamwork important in solving the problems in the story? Can you think of a time when you worked with others to solve a problem?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use the book's illustrations to guide the discussion. Ask your child to describe what they see and how it relates to the story.
Encourage your child to imagine alternative endings or solutions to the story’s conflicts, enhancing their creative and critical thinking skills.
Discuss the moral of the story and its application in real life, making connections to personal experiences or observable scenarios.
Praise your child’s responses, even if they interpret the story differently than expected. This supports confidence in their analytical skills.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: In 'Recipe for Disaster', characters encounter various challenges that need quick thinking and innovative solutions.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to approach real-life problems with a creative mindset, analyzing situations to find effective solutions.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: Throughout the book, characters must work together to resolve the central conflict, emphasizing the importance of collaboration.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of cooperating with others, whether in school projects or in playing team sports.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Characters in the story are given tasks that contribute to a larger goal, showing how each role is crucial.
Real-World Application: Kids can understand the importance of being responsible and reliable in their daily chores and duties at home or school.
Example Lesson: Learning from Mistakes
Explanation: The book portrays characters making mistakes but using them as learning opportunities, rather than reasons for discouragement.
Real-World Application: Children learn that mistakes are part of learning and growth, encouraging them to try new things without fear of failure.
Example Lesson: Adaptability
Explanation: As situations in the story change unexpectedly, characters adjust their plans, highlighting the need to adapt.
Real-World Application: This can help children learn to be flexible and adapt to changes, such as moving to a new school or dealing with changes at home.