The Four Cousins
#4 in The Fabulous 4 Series
on Goodreads (40)
What’s inside...
In 'The Four Cousins' by Enid Blyton, Granny visits John and Sarah and shares the story of Sam and Rosie, two children who work hard to earn money for a holiday they can't afford. Inspired by their efforts, John and Sarah decide to focus on earning their own money. Published by Good Press, this book is part of a collection that includes a range of genres, from classics to undiscovered gems, all formatted for easy readability on digital devices.
Discussion points
What qualities do you admire in each of the four cousins and why?
How would you handle a situation like the mystery the cousins solved?
What do you think makes a good team when solving problems?
Can you think of a time when you worked together with friends or family to accomplish something?
How do the different settings in the book contribute to the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to compare their own experiences with teamwork to those of the cousins in the book.
Discuss the importance of cooperation and how the cousins' diverse personalities helped them achieve their goals.
Highlight instances in the book where communication played a key role in solving problems and relate it to everyday scenarios your child might face.
Ask your child to imagine an alternate ending to the book and discuss how different actions could lead to different outcomes.
Relate the mystery-solving aspect of the story to critical thinking and ask your child how they might use these skills in their own life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of teamwork
Explanation: In 'The Four Cousins', the cousins must work together to solve mysteries and overcome challenges. Their success is often a result of their collective efforts and diverse skills.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by participating in team sports, group projects in school, or collaborating with siblings on household tasks, learning the value of cooperation and joint problem-solving.
Example Lesson: Respect for differences
Explanation: Each cousin in the book has unique traits and talents, which are appreciated and respected by the others. This diversity in characters promotes understanding and acceptance.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to appreciate the differences in their peers and understand that everyone has unique strengths, fostering an environment of inclusivity and respect in their interactions.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: The storyline revolves around the cousins facing and resolving various dilemmas or mysteries, showcasing their critical thinking and problem-solving capabilities.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to approach their own challenges thoughtfully, analyzing situations and thinking creatively to find solutions, be it in their academic tasks or personal conflicts.
Example Lesson: Courage and bravery
Explanation: Throughout their adventures, the cousins often face fearful or risky situations. The characters show courage and bravery when confronting these challenges, emphasizing these qualities.
Real-World Application: Children are inspired to face their own fears, whether it's trying out for a school play, standing up against bullying, or tackling a difficult subject at school.