Scaredy Bat and the Sunscreen Snatcher: An Illustrated Mystery Chapter Book for Kids 7-10 (Scaredy Bat: A Vampire Detective Series 2)
#2 in Scaredy Bat Series
on Goodreads (59)
What’s inside...
Solving crime, one fear at a time
Ellie “Scaredy Bat” Spark is a 12 year old vampire that loves solving mysteries, but is afraid of...everything. She's afraid of spiders, lakes, and loud noises -- just to name a few. And her pesky sister Penny never lets her forget it. But with a little courage and help from her friends, Ellie just might achieve her dream of becoming a real detective.
When Ellie finds out about a class trip to her role model’s favorite getaway, she can’t believe her luck. But soon Ellie discovers her special sunscreen is missing, and she feels like someone is out to get her. Ellie must overcome her fear of clowns (and disgust with garlic) to solve the mystery of the missing sunscreen...before she ends up with permanent blue dots all over. Or worse, misses out on the biggest class trip of the year.
Character compass
Ellie Spark
Discussion points
Why do you think Ellie, the Scaredy Bat, is afraid of the dark despite being a vampire?
What did Ellie learn about teamwork while solving the mystery of the missing sunscreen?
How did Ellie’s perspective on fear change throughout the story?
Can you think of a time when you overcame a fear? How does it relate to Ellie’s experience?
What are some important clues that helped Ellie solve the mystery?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use encouragement and affirmations to create a supportive reading environment. Praise your child for their thoughts and connections to the story.
Prompt your child to relate the story to their own experiences, especially in overcoming fears or working with others.
Ask your child to guess what might happen next at various points in the story to keep them engaged and thinking critically.
Discuss the importance of teamwork as portrayed in the book, and relate it to real-life situations in your child’s world, such as school projects or family tasks.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Collaboration
Explanation: Throughout the story, Scaredy Bat works together with friends to solve the mystery of the missing sunscreen, demonstrating how teamwork can lead to success.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by participating in group activities at school or in sports, learning to cooperate and value each contribution.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: The protagonist uses critical thinking and detective skills to gather clues and solve the mystery, showcasing problem-solving techniques.
Real-World Application: Kids can use similar problem-solving skills in their daily challenges, such as figuring out how to manage their time for homework and play.
Example Lesson: Courage in Facing Fears
Explanation: Scaredy Bat, despite being afraid, takes on the challenge of solving the mystery, illustrating the importance of courage and bravery.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to face their own fears, whether it's trying out for a new activity or standing up to a bully.
Example Lesson: Importance of Asking for Help
Explanation: When Scaredy Bat feels overwhelmed, she reaches out for help from her friends, highlighting that it's okay to ask for assistance when needed.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to seek help from teachers, parents, or friends when they encounter difficulties in schoolwork or personal situations.
Example Lesson: Understanding and Acceptance
Explanation: The diverse group of characters work together despite their differences, promoting messages of inclusivity and acceptance.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to embrace diversity among their peers and learn to appreciate everyone's unique qualities.