Skinny-Dipping at Monster Lake (Aladdin Fiction)
Aladdin Fiction Series
on Goodreads (78)
What’s inside...
Kent doesn't believe in monsters. But he knows he saw two gleaming yellow eyes beneath the surface of Cedar Lake when he and his buddies were camping at the lake. When he sneaks out alone a few nights later to investigate, the eyes return -- and they seem to be following him. Kent and his friends are determined to solve the mystery of the Cedar Lake monster. But what they discover one dark summer night is just as surprising as a monster -- and just as dangerous. When a group of kids decides to research the legend of the monster of Cedar Lake, they soon found themselves in the woods at night, with fishing poles but no bathing suits, walking into the cold water to hunt down the creature in order to see it for themselves.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
8-12
Length
224 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Kent
Glenna
Discussion points
What do you think motivated the characters to go skinny-dipping at Monster Lake, despite knowing the risks?
How do you feel about the way the characters handled their fears?
What would you have done differently if you were in the same situation as the characters?
How did the characters' relationships change throughout the story?
What lessons do you think the story teaches about bravery and friendship?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use open-ended questions that allow your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story.
Relate personal experiences or similar situations to the events in the book to make the conversation more relatable.
Encourage your child to imagine alternative endings or different choices the characters could have made.
Discuss the moral lessons of the story and how they can be applied in real life.
Praise your child for their insights and encourage them to think critically about the characters and the plot.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of fear
Explanation: The story explores how the protagonist faces his fears when encountering the rumored monster in the lake, displaying bravery and resilience.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to confront their own fears, whether it’s trying something new or facing difficult situations, and understand that courage is not the absence of fear but the determination to overcome it.
Example Lesson: Importance of Friendship
Explanation: Throughout the adventure, teamwork and reliance on friends play a critical part in overcoming challenges, reinforcing the value of supportive friendships.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to appreciate their friends, work together to solve problems, and support each other in times of need.
Example Lesson: Judging others
Explanation: The book addresses misconceptions about the 'monster,' teaching that appearances can be deceiving and that judgment should not be based on hearsay.
Real-World Application: It teaches children to be open-minded and not to judge others based on rumors or how they look, fostering a more inclusive attitude.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Exploration
Explanation: The characters’ adventure around Monster Lake showcases their curiosity and desire to explore, which ultimately leads to important discoveries.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to be curious about the world around them, explore new things, and learn through their discoveries.