Space Lizards Stole My Brain!
#1 of 33 in Once/Now/Then/After Series
What’s inside...
When Admiral Skink, an alien-lizard warlord from the planet Swerdlix, is attacked by The Hideous and Unimaginably Vast Comet Creature of Poppledock he faces certain death. However, his underlings have installed the BrainTwizzler 360 Mind Migration SystemTM that safely transfers Skink's mind onto a memory wafer and jettisons it through space to find a temporary 'home' until he can be rescued. Unfortunately for eleven-year-old Lance Spratley, the temporary home for Admiral Skink's mind is his body. While Skink deals with being trapped in Lance’s body, which lacks the ability to breathe fire, Lance is transferred to a virtual waiting room surrounded by lizard aliens who plan to destroy Earth once Skink is retrieved. The story unfolds as Lance tries to get his body back and prevent the Swerdlixians from invading Earth.
Discussion points
Why do you think the space lizards wanted to steal brains? What would you do if you met a space lizard?
How did the main character's feelings change throughout the story, and what caused those changes?
What are some ways the characters in the book showed courage or cleverness?
If you could create your own adventure with space lizards, what would it look like?
What do you think is the most important message of this book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think creatively by asking them to imagine their own space adventure. Discuss the characters and plot points they would include.
Discuss the motivations behind the characters' actions, especially focusing on why the space lizards might want to steal brains, to enhance comprehension and empathy skills.
Praise your child's responses to foster confidence and a deeper enjoyment of reading and analyzing stories.
Connect themes from the book to real-life scenarios to make the discussion more relevant and engaging for your child.
Use expressive reading techniques, like varying your tone and volume, to make the story come alive and keep your child engaged during read-aloud sessions.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Collaboration
Explanation: In 'Space Lizards Stole My Brain!', the main character, Lance, must work together with his friends to outsmart the alien lizards. This collaboration highlights the importance of teamwork in overcoming challenges.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of working together with others to achieve a common goal, which is beneficial in school projects and family activities.
Example Lesson: Courage and Bravery
Explanation: Throughout the adventure, Lance faces his fears and stands up to the alien invaders. His bravery in challenging situations is a prominent theme.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to face their own fears and stand up for what is right, whether it's dealing with a bully or trying something new.
Example Lesson: Problem-Solving Skills
Explanation: Lance and his friends use their ingenuity and critical thinking to devise plans to thwart the aliens’ plans. The story showcases how they assess situations and think on their feet.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to think critically and creatively when faced with challenges, helping them navigate complex situations in school and at home.
Example Lesson: Importance of Humor
Explanation: The book is filled with humor, even in tense situations. This teaches children that humor can be a useful tool to cope with difficult or unexpected circumstances.
Real-World Application: Applying humor can help kids manage stress and maintain a positive outlook in tough times.