Stink and the Incredible SuperGalactic Jawbreaker
#2 of 14 in Stink Series
What’s inside...
The book follows the adventures of Stink Moody, who writes a letter of complaint to a candy company for a jawbreaker that did not break his jaw and receives a huge box of candies as an apology. The story is filled with humor, fun facts, and lots of candies. Spurred by a newfound awareness of false advertising, Stink Moody becomes the proverbial kid in a candy store as his letter-writing campaign yields him heaps of free rewards. When Stink buys a huge jawbreaker that doesn’t break his jaw, he writes to the manufacturer — and receives 21,280 jawbreakers for his trouble! Soon he’s so obsessed with getting free stuff that he misses an envelope in the mail pile, until his best friend starts looking as mad as a hornet. Thirty-six idioms are sprinkled through the story, inspiring a search that’s more fun than a barrel of monkeys.
Discussion points
How do you think Stink felt when he received the jawbreaker for his letter? Have you ever received something special for your efforts?
What do you think about Stink's idea of writing more letters to get more jawbreakers? Do you think it's right to expect a reward every time?
Stink and his friends had some disagreements in the story. How do you handle disagreements with your friends?
What would you write a letter about if you could send one to any company or person? Why?
How do you think the story would change if Stink never received the jawbreaker? What would he do differently?
Tip: Role play these questions
As your child answers the questions, listen carefully without interrupting, and show genuine interest in their opinions.
Use follow-up questions to dig deeper into their thoughts and feelings about the story's scenarios and character decisions.
Connect the scenarios in the book with real-life situations your child might encounter to help them relate to the story better.
Encourage your child to think critically about the consequences of the characters' actions and how they would handle similar situations differently.
Praise your child for their thoughts and insights, which boosts their confidence and encourages more in-depth discussion and connection with reading.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Patience and Perseverance
Explanation: In the story, Stink waits a long time for his jawbreaker to arrive after sending a complaint letter. His patience is eventually rewarded, teaching children the importance of waiting and perseverance.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by understanding that sometimes they need to wait for things they want and that being patient can lead to rewarding outcomes.
Example Lesson: The Power of Communication
Explanation: Stink learns to effectively communicate his disappointment through a letter, which ultimately resolves his issue. This highlights the importance of expressing oneself clearly and respectfully.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand how to express their feelings or problems through words, fostering better communication skills at home or in school.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Stink takes initiative by addressing his problem through appropriate channels, showing an understanding of handling situations responsibly.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of taking responsibility for their actions and decisions, encouraging them to act thoughtfully and responsibly in daily situations.
Example Lesson: Understanding Advertisements
Explanation: The book introduces children to the concept of advertising and how it can sometimes lead to unrealistic expectations.
Real-World Application: This helps children discern and critically evaluate marketing messages, aiding them in making informed decisions about what they want versus what they need.