The Animal Rescue Agency #2: Case File: Pangolin Pop Star
#2 of 2 in The Animal Rescue Agency Series
on Goodreads (33)
What’s inside...
New York Times bestselling author Eliot Schrefer's second installment in the middle grade Animal Rescue Agency series sends your favorite fox and chicken duo on a tropical adventure to save the world's biggest pangolin pop star. After a frigid arctic rescue, Esquire and Mr. Pepper get the perfect opportunity to warm up--an invitation to Beatle the Pangolin's private island concert. Sun and sand await! But when Esquire and Mr. Pepper arrive, the island is in chaos. Field agent Alphonse delivers the bad news: due to an incident during dress rehearsal, Beatle is trapped underground, and foul play is likely. The worst news: There's no way to reach Beatle and there are multiple suspects: Jewel, Beatle's sister and backup dancer; Arabella, the monkey stage manager; Butch, a vengeful wildcat. Finding the culprit and saving Beatle before it's too late--this might be the Animal Rescue Agency's most challenging case yet!
Discussion points
What do you think the pangolin felt when it became a pop star? How would you feel in its place?
Why is teamwork important in the story? Can you think of a time when you worked with others to solve a problem?
What can we learn from the animals and their adventures about treating others with kindness and respect?
How do the characters in the book show bravery and courage? Can you share a personal experience where you had to be brave?
What part of the story was the most surprising to you, and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story, linking their personal experiences to those of the characters.
Ask follow-up questions based on your child's responses to deepen their understanding and connection to the themes.
Celebrate your child’s responses, whether they're simple or complex, to build their confidence in expressing ideas and opinions.
Connect themes from the book to real-world examples, enhancing their understanding of broader social and emotional lessons.
Utilize the book’s illustrations and ask your child to describe what they see, encouraging attention to detail and enhancing their observational skills.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Compassion
Explanation: This book exemplifies empathy and compassion through the characters’ efforts to rescue a kidnapped pangolin who is forced to perform. The protagonists' journey highlights the importance of understanding and acting upon the feelings of others, particularly those who are vulnerable.
Real-World Application: Children can apply these lessons by recognizing when someone around them—be it a friend, family member, or even an animal—needs help or emotional support, and taking steps to be understanding and helpful.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: Throughout the story, characters must collaborate and use each other's strengths to solve the problem of the missing pangolin. This emphasizes the effectiveness of working together towards a common goal.
Real-World Application: Kids learn the importance of cooperating in group settings such as school projects or sports, understanding that teamwork can lead to achieving goals more efficiently and effectively.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: The Animal Rescue Agency faces several challenges that require creative thinking and determination. As the characters navigate through these problems, readers learn about the process of identifying issues, brainstorming solutions, and implementing those solutions.
Real-World Application: Children can use these problem-solving skills in everyday situations, from resolving conflicts with peers to overcoming obstacles in academic tasks.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: The protagonist's commitment to saving the pangolin teaches the responsibility we have towards other beings and our environment. It underscores the importance of being reliable and taking action when faced with ethical decisions.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be dependable and conscientious in their daily responsibilities, whether it’s caring for a pet, completing homework, or helping around the house.
Example Lesson: Advocacy for Wildlife Conservation
Explanation: The book raises awareness about wildlife trafficking and the importance of conservation efforts. It presents a call to action for protecting endangered species and preserving natural habitats.
Real-World Application: Children are prompted to think about how they can contribute to environmental conservation, perhaps by participating in local clean-ups, learning more about endangered species, or practicing sustainable habits.