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Rudy and the Monster at School

#3 in Rudy's Adventures Series

illustrations by
4.00
on Goodreads (6)

What’s inside...

With boundless energy and an impulsive nature, Rudy is always ready to follow the scent of adventure! And with his loyal pack of friends by his side there's nothing he can't achieve. There's a new boy in Rudy's school called Frankie, and everyone says he is SCARY. Which is really saying something in a school full of monsters! When the scary new boy at school gets upset and runs away from class, Rudy knows he has to help. The trouble is, Rudy's wolf senses lead him to the really spooky castle on the hill. Is Rudy brave enough to follow his nose, and find out the truth behind the monster at school?
In series
Series reading

Non-Sequential

Age

5-7

Length

128 pages

Text complexity

Discussion points

How do you think Rudy felt when he first saw the monster? Can you describe a time when you felt the same way?
What would you do if you met a monster at school like Rudy did?
Why do you think the monster acted the way it did? What could Rudy have done differently?
How did Rudy and the monster's relationship change throughout the story, and what made this change happen?
Can you think of a creative way to solve a problem with a friend, similar to how Rudy dealt with the monster?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use a calm and curious tone when asking questions, showing genuine interest in your child's feelings and thoughts.
Encourage empathy by asking your child to consider different characters' perspectives, particularly focusing on understanding the monster's point of view.
Relate the story to your child’s real-life experiences, discussing any similar situations they may have encountered and how they've felt or reacted.
Prompt your child to come up with alternative endings or solutions to the challenges faced by Rudy, enhancing their problem-solving and creative thinking skills.
Praise your child's responses, reinforcing their confidence and encouraging a deeper analysis of the story and its characters.

Key lessons

Example Lesson: Courage in confronting fears
Explanation: Rudy faces his fear of the school monster by eventually confronting it, showing bravery despite his initial fright.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to face their fears, like trying new activities or facing challenges at school, by recalling Rudy's courage.
Example Lesson: The importance of asking for help
Explanation: When Rudy struggles with his fear, he seeks help from his teacher and friends, which assists him in overcoming his challenges.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to seek support from trusted adults or peers when they encounter difficulties.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: Rudy learns that the monster is just misunderstood and not actually scary, which teaches him compassion.
Real-World Application: Children are prompted to be empathetic and try to understand others' perspectives, especially those who may seem different.
Example Lesson: The value of friendship
Explanation: Rudy's friends support him and they work together to uncover the truth about the monster, highlighting strong teamwork.
Real-World Application: This lesson highlights the importance of collaboration and supporting friends, useful in group projects and shared tasks.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: Rudy and his friends use clues and reasoning to solve the mystery of the monster, showcasing effective problem-solving methods.
Real-World Application: Children learn to approach problems strategically, enhancing their analytical skills in everyday situations.

Rudy and the Monster at School by Paul Westmoreland