Sloth Sleuth
#1 of 2 in Sloth Sleuth Series
on Goodreads (120)
What’s inside...
On an island crawling with crime, everyone's a suspect. Luckily, its resident sloth can solve crimes in her sleep (and often does!). Meet Paz, the world's first sloth sleuth. She may be slow but she's always one step ahead of the bad guys. This hilarious graphic novel mystery is perfect for fans of The Bad Guys and Investigators. Pssst hey, you! Welcome to Winklefuss. Don't get too comfortable—this tropical paradise is crawling with criminals. Luckily, Paz, the world's smartest sloth detective, lives here, too! She can solve the toughest crimes in her sleep (and often does). A mysterious illness is striking the customers of Cookie’s Diner. Could it be something they ate? (Spoiler: It is.) As she investigates, Paz fills her fanny pack with clues. But who's the culprit? Is it Mayor McSqueak, who was caught breaking into the diner? Is it Lacie Flamingo, fired after messing up orders? Is it Louie the Shark, who works for the toughest crime boss this side of the Bermuda Triangle (a fish in a bag)? Well, kid, you’ll just have to read the book to find out!
Discussion points
How do you think Sloth feels when he solves a mystery? Can you relate to his emotions?
What do you think makes Sloth a good detective? Discuss the qualities that help him solve cases.
How do the other animals in the story contribute to solving the mystery? What does this say about teamwork?
If you were in Sloth's place, how would you handle the challenges he faces in the book?
What lesson did you learn from Sloth's adventures? How might you apply it in your own life?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive voices for different characters to make the reading session lively and engaging.
After reading a scene, pause and ask your child to predict what might happen next, fostering critical thinking.
Encourage your child to draw their favorite scene from the book. Discuss what they liked about it and why.
Link discussions from the book to real-life scenarios your child could face, helping them connect literature to everyday life.
Celebrate your child’s responses, whether they are simple or profound, to build confidence and encourage further dialogue.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: In 'Sloth Sleuth,' the protagonist uses clever thinking and creativity to solve mysteries, demonstrating the importance of using intellect to navigate challenges.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to approach their own obstacles and puzzles in life with thoughtful consideration, enhancing their ability to find solutions effectively.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: Throughout the book, the characters must work together to uncover clues and solve the mystery, showing that cooperation is key to achieving goals.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of collaborating with others, whether it’s during school projects, sports, or family activities, fostering a sense of community and shared success.
Example Lesson: Patience
Explanation: The sloth, as a naturally slow creature, demonstrates patience in waiting for the right moment to act, which is crucial in solving the mystery.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to understand that sometimes waiting patiently can be beneficial, helping them develop self-control and resilience in real life situations.
Example Lesson: Attention to detail
Explanation: The story highlights how small details can be crucial in solving mysteries, teaching the importance of observing and paying attention to the environment.
Real-World Application: Kids learn to be more observant and detail-oriented in their daily activities, improving their concentration and mindfulness.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and learning
Explanation: The protagonist's curiosity leads him to explore and learn continuously, which ultimately helps him solve the mystery.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to remain curious about the world around them, promoting lifelong learning and exploration.