Sherlock Holmes: The Dancing Men (Sweet Cherry Easy Classics)
#23 in The Sherlock Holmes Children's Collection Series
illustrations by
on Goodreads (31)
What’s inside...
An illustrated adaptation of the classic Sherlock Holmes adventure - at an easy-to-read level for readers of all ages! When it comes to mysterious pasts, Elsie Cubitt certainly has one. So when she starts receiving secret coded messages around the house, her husband begins to worry and turns to Holmes and Watson to help. But can the genius detective and his trusty sidekick crack the code before these dancing drawings turn deadly? About the Series: Sherlock and Watson - the original crime-fighting duo! Catching curious criminals, solving ancient riddles and defending the honour of the king and the country are all in a day's work for this world-famous detective and his faithful biographer. Sweet Cherry Easy Classics adapts classic literature into illustrated stories for children, introducing these timeless tales to a new generation. All titles in the series are leveled for classroom use, including GRLs.
Discussion points
What do you think Sherlock Holmes felt when he first saw the mysterious dancing men?
Why do you think the characters communicated using coded messages? How would you create a secret code?
How do the decisions of the characters impact the story’s outcome?
What lessons can we learn about trust and friendship from this story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by summarizing the story together, making sure your child understands the plot.
Encourage your child to imagine themselves as Sherlock Holmes and think about how they would solve the mystery.
Discuss the importance of problem-solving and attention to detail, reinforcing these skills as beneficial in everyday life.
Create a fun activity by making your own secret codes and messages after reading the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of problem-solving
Explanation: Sherlock Holmes uses his keen observation and deductive reasoning skills to decipher a code made up of dancing men. This example showcases the power of critical thinking and analytical skills.
Real-World Application: Children can apply problem-solving in their daily lives by tackling puzzles or challenges with a methodical approach, enhancing their critical thinking capabilities.
Example Lesson: The value of perseverance
Explanation: Throughout the story, Sherlock remains dedicated to solving the mysterious case, despite the challenges that arise. This highlights the importance of staying focused and persistent.
Real-World Application: Kids learn to remain dedicated to their tasks, be it homework or a challenging game, understanding that perseverance often leads to success.
Example Lesson: Communication is key
Explanation: The central mystery of the story revolves around a secret code communicated through symbols. This underlines the importance of clear communication and understanding different forms of expression.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the significance of clear communication and encourages them to express themselves in various ways, whether verbally or through art and writing.