Stinkbomb & Ketchup-Face and the Badness of Badgers
#1 in Stinkbomb and Ketchup-Face Series
What’s inside...
Welcome to the world of Great Kerfuffle where you'll meet Stinkbomb and Ketchup-Face, the intrepid heroes who set off on a silly and mildly perilous adventure. This stupendously hilarious book filled with dodgy badgers and a funny collection of characters is sure to make you laugh your socks off, and quite possibly your ears too. It's a perfect send-up of fantasy quest novels for fans of Adam Gidwitz and Jon Scieszka. Great Kerfuffle is really great. And there's usually a kerfuffle (the clue's in the name really). This particular kerfuffle started the day Stinkbomb's twenty dollar bill went missing. Stinkbomb and his little sister Ketchup-Face know exactly who took the badgers. After all, they're called badgers because they do bad things; otherwise they'd just be gers. They bring news of the badgers' treachery to King Toothbrush Weasel (don't get us started on the story behind his name…), who sends them on a quest to rid the land of badgers. What follows is a full on kerfuffle-fest, one deep dark forest, a grocery cart in distress, a song about jam--and, of course, a band of very tricky badgers. Be prepared to laugh your socks off, and maybe your ears, too.
Discussion points
Why do you think the badgers are causing trouble in the story? What might they be feeling?
If you were Stinkbomb or Ketchup-Face, how would you try to solve the problem with the badgers?
What role do you think the magic porcupine plays in the story, and why is it important?
How do the characters in the book work together to solve their problems? Can you think of a time when you had to work with someone else to solve a problem?
What is the funniest part of the story to you, and why do you think it made you laugh?
Tip: Role play these questions
Ask your child to predict what might happen next after each chapter to keep them thinking actively about the storyline.
Encourage your child to think about the reasons behind each character's actions and relate them to real-life scenarios to deepen their understanding of cause and effect.
Discuss the importance of teamwork as shown in the book, and relate it to everyday situations where cooperation is vital.
Utilize humor from the book to foster a fun and enjoyable discussion atmosphere.
After finishing the book, ask your child to draw their favorite scene or character. Discuss why they made that choice, linking back to the themes or events in the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of teamwork
Explanation: Throughout the book, Stinkbomb and Ketchup-Face work together to solve the mystery of the badgers' badness, emphasizing the power of collaboration and cooperation.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by participating in group activities or team sports, learning to collaborate with peers to achieve common goals.
Example Lesson: Critical thinking and problem-solving
Explanation: The protagonists use their wit and reasoning to navigate challenges, demonstrating the value of thinking critically and creatively when faced with problems.
Real-World Application: Kids are encouraged to use critical thinking in their own lives, whether it be in solving simple day-to-day issues or in academic pursuits.
Example Lesson: The repercussions of misjudgment
Explanation: The story shows how the island's inhabitants wrongly blame the badgers, teaching a lesson about the consequences of hasty and unfair judgments.
Real-World Application: This can teach children to be more thoughtful and fair in their assessments of others, promoting empathy and understanding in their social interactions.
Example Lesson: Humor as a coping mechanism
Explanation: The use of humor throughout the book helps characters deal with difficult situations, showcasing humor as a positive way to cope with adversity.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to use humor to lighten the mood during challenging times, helping them manage stress and connect with others.
Example Lesson: Value of perseverance
Explanation: Stinkbomb and Ketchup-Face demonstrate persistence in their quest despite obstacles, teaching the importance of perseverance when pursuing any goal.
Real-World Application: This lesson can inspire children to keep trying and not give up easily, whether in their academic pursuits, hobbies, or personal goals.