Something Stinks Around Here!
illustrations by
What’s inside...
Smelly cocoons, rotten apple cores, broken eggshells, and old snakeskins are piling up because the Raccoon Garbage Company isn't collecting everyone’s trash. Little Squirrel discovers this stinky problem and decides to take action. The story, 'Something Stinks Around Here,' teaches children about courage and problem-solving in situations of exclusion. It sends a powerful message that change is possible and there is a place for everyone.
Age
4-10
Length
38 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Why do you think the characters felt the need to investigate the smell?
What would you have done if you were in their shoes?
How did the characters work together to solve the mystery?
What do you think is the most important message of the story?
If you could ask any character in the book a question, who would it be and what would you ask?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before starting the book, ask your child to predict what they think might stink and why — engage their imagination and prediction skills.
While reading, pause at key moments to ask your child how they feel about the situations in the story, enhancing emotional connection.
After finishing the book, encourage your child to draw or write about their favorite part, fostering creativity and personal interpretation.
Use the book's teamwork theme to discuss the importance of cooperation and ask your child about times they worked with others to solve a problem.
End your discussion with asking your child how they might change the story or what they would add, encouraging their creative input and critical thinking.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of cleanliness
Explanation: The book centers around characters learning the consequences of neglecting cleanliness, leading to an unpleasant environment.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to take responsibility for their own cleanliness, understanding that their actions affect not only themselves but also those around them.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and cooperation
Explanation: Characters in the book work together to solve the mystery of the smell, showing how collaboration leads to success.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to work cooperatively in group settings, whether at school or during play, to achieve common goals.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: Through the narrative, the characters use clues and logical reasoning to find the source of the bad smell, demonstrating effective problem-solving.
Real-World Application: Children are inspired to apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills in their everyday challenges.
Example Lesson: Environmental awareness
Explanation: The story subtly introduces the effects of improper waste disposal on the community’s environment.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand the importance of environmental conservation and encourage practices like proper waste disposal and recycling in their daily lives.
Example Lesson: Understanding consequences
Explanation: As the story unfolds, characters learn that their actions, like neglecting cleanliness, have direct consequences.
Real-World Application: This teaches children that their choices have impacts, guiding them to make more thoughtful decisions in real life situations.