The Case of the Smuggler’s Curse
#1 of 3 in The After School Detective Club Series
What’s inside...
Lucy, Max, Charlie, Joe, and Charlie's dog, Sherlock, are not looking for new friends, but when they encounter a phantom figure on Southwold beach, they band together to uncover a mystery involving an ancient town curse and a suspicious character named Quentin De Havilland. As they navigate their own disagreements, the group must work together to solve the mystery surrounding the ghostly figure with a lantern. 'The Case of the Smuggler's Curse' is the first book in an adventure series for kids that combines elements of Enid Blyton, Jacqueline Wilson, and David Walliams.
Discussion points
Why do you think the main character acted the way they did when they discovered the smuggler's secret?
What would you have done if you were in the main character's shoes?
How do you think the story would change if it was set in our hometown?
What lessons do you think we can learn from the challenges faced by the characters?
Which character did you relate to the most and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use prompts about the characters' feelings and choices to help your child connect personally with the story.
Encourage your child to imagine alternative endings or different scenarios to deepen their understanding and critical thinking.
Discuss the moral and ethical questions posed in the book to teach empathy and decision-making skills.
Connect the book’s themes to real-life situations your child might encounter to enhance their learning and application of the story’s lessons.
Create a fun and relaxed environment for discussion to make these conversations enjoyable and memorable.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of teamwork
Explanation: The characters in 'The Case of the Smuggler’s Curse' collaborate to solve the mystery, illustrating how working together can lead to success.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by participating in group activities at school or in sports, learning to cooperate and value each other’s contributions.
Example Lesson: Honesty is the best policy
Explanation: Throughout the book, characters face situations where they must choose between right and wrong. The positive outcomes of honesty underscore this moral.
Real-World Application: This lesson can be applied in a child’s daily interactions, teaching them to be honest in their dealings with friends and family, thereby building trust and integrity.
Example Lesson: Courage to face fears
Explanation: The protagonist overcomes fears to uncover the truth about the smuggler’s curse, demonstrating bravery.
Real-World Application: Children learn that facing fears, whether it’s trying new activities or standing up for what’s right, is a part of growing up and leads to personal growth.
Example Lesson: Critical thinking and problem-solving
Explanation: The mystery in the book promotes critical thinking as the young detectives gather clues and analyze situations.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to think critically and solve problems in their academic and personal lives, enhancing their decision-making skills.