Shrunk!
#1 in SHRUNK! Series
on Goodreads (41)
What’s inside...
After Tom moves in with his grandmother next to the Bywater-by-Sea Model Village, he makes a wish on a shooting star and gains the ability to shrink things. First, he shrinks Jupiter, then some sheep, and a boat. However, with Jupiter missing, Earth is being drawn towards the Sun. With a miniaturized school bully in his pocket, Tom must return Jupiter to save Earth and make friends in his new home. In another storyline, Victor, a ghost, tries to escape Black Hall Island and ends up in Bywater-by-Sea, where he encounters Tom and his friends, who possess unusual powers. While Tom is preoccupied with stopping a corporation from building over his Field Craft hut, Victor plots to take over the world.
Discussion points
How would you feel if you were suddenly shrunk like Tom in the book? What would be exciting or frightening about it?
What are some ways Tom shows bravery throughout his adventure? Can you think of a time you had to be brave?
Why do you think the author chose a treehouse for where the shrinking happens? What does the treehouse symbolize?
How do the characters in 'Shrunk!' work together to solve their problems? What does this teach us about teamwork and friendship?
If you had the power to shrink or grow things, what would you do and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine themselves within the story and contemplate their reactions to the events.
Highlight the moral lessons about bravery and teamwork; discuss how these values apply to their own life experiences.
Ask open-ended questions that require more than a yes or no answer to facilitate deeper thinking and conversation.
Create a fun activity like drawing their own magical shrinking treehouse or writing a short story about an adventure they would like to have if they could shrink.
Connect the themes of the book to real-life scenarios, such as working together with friends or family to solve a problem.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of teamwork
Explanation: In 'Shrunk!', the main characters must work together to solve the mystery of the shrinking items, highlighting the power of collaboration.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by engaging in group activities at school or with friends, learning that cooperation can lead to solving problems and achieving goals.
Example Lesson: Creativity in problem-solving
Explanation: The characters use inventive methods to track down the miniature thief, showcasing creative thinking.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to think outside the box in their daily challenges, whether in homework, games or interpersonal relationships.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: The protagonist learns about taking responsibility for their actions as they navigate the consequences of mishaps caused during their adventure.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand the importance of owning up to their mistakes and learning from them in their own lives.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of challenges
Explanation: Throughout their adventure, the characters encounter setbacks, yet they persistently pursue their goal, demonstrating resilience.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to keep trying and not be disheartened by difficulties, be it in academics, sports, or friendships.