The Canary Caper (A to Z Mysteries)
#3 of 26 in A to Z Mysteries Series
on Goodreads (4,396)
What’s inside...
Don't miss A to Z Mysteries alphabetic adventures that are full of thrills, chills, and cases to crack! C is for Canary... In the third book of the A to Z Mysteries an early chapter book mystery series featuring strong boy and girl characters, Dink, Josh, and Ruth Rose get an urgent call from Mrs. Davis. Her canary is gone! And that's not all. Three other pets have mysteriously disappeared - including Ruth Rose's cat, Tiger! The kids are sure a pet-napper is to blame. They won't stop until they've tracked down the thief and returned the stolen pets to their rightful owners! Each book includes a map and a letter from the author. Parents, teachers, and librarians agree that these highly collectible chapter books are perfect for emerging readers and any kid who loves mysteries! From the Trade Paperback edition.
Character compass
Dink Duncan
Josh Pinto
Ruth Rose Hathaway
Discussion points
What do you think motivated the characters to solve the mystery of the missing canaries?
How would you feel if you were in the characters' shoes and had to solve a mystery?
What are some qualities you admire in the main characters?
How do you think working together helped the characters in the book?
If you could change one part of the story, what would it be and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before starting the book, ask your child what they know about mysteries and what they enjoy about them.
Encourage your child to predict what might happen next in the story and discuss their predictions as you read.
Have your child identify their favorite character and discuss why they like them.
After finishing the book, engage your child in a creative activity like drawing a scene from the book or writing a short mystery of their own.
Use real-world examples to connect the teamwork in the story to similar situations your child might face, discussing how they can use teamwork to solve problems.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: In 'The Canary Caper', characters Dink, Josh, and Ruth Rose collaborate to solve the mystery of the missing pets. Their teamwork exemplifies how combining individual strengths can achieve common goals.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by working cooperatively with siblings or classmates in projects or games, learning that collective effort often leads to success.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: Throughout the book, the protagonists employ critical thinking and deductive reasoning to piece together clues. This problem-solving process is central to advancing the plot and finding the pets.
Real-World Application: Kids can use similar problem-solving skills in their daily challenges, such as resolving disputes with friends or tackling difficult school assignments.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: The young detectives take on the responsibility of finding the missing animals, showing dedication and commitment to their mission.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of taking responsibility in various situations, whether it's caring for a pet, completing homework, or fulfilling household chores.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: The characters show concern for the missing pets and their owners, illustrating how empathy guides their actions and decisions.
Real-World Application: Children learn to understand and share the feelings of others, helping them build stronger, more supportive relationships with family and friends.