The Fran That Time Forgot (4) (Franny K. Stein, Mad Scientist)
#4 of 10 in Franny K. Stein, Mad Scientist Series
on Goodreads (1,511)
What’s inside...
Franny's embarrassing middle name is exposed in front of the whole school, prompting her to use her 'mad scientist' skills to attempt time travel in order to change it. However, her plans take unexpected turns leading to a series of humorous and chaotic events.
Character compass
Franny K. Stein
Younger Franny K. Stein
Discussion points
What would you do if you had Franny's time machine?
How did Franny solve problems in the story, and what can we learn from her?
Who was your favorite character, and why?
If you could invent something, what would it be and how would it help others?
How do you think Franny felt when her experiments didn't go as planned?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate the story to their own experiences by asking them to think of times they have faced challenges and how they overcame them. Highlight the importance of perseverance and creativity, drawing parallels between the child’s life and Franny’s inventive adventures. Use expressive reading to make the characters come alive and keep your child engaged. Discuss the moral lessons in the book and encourage your child to express their thoughts on the decisions made by the characters.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Individuality
Explanation: Franny K. Stein is not the typical girl in her school; she loves science and inventing more than anything. Throughout the book, her unique interests and personality help her solve problems and save the day.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate what makes them unique and find strength in their differences, encouraging them to pursue their passions without fear of judgment.
Example Lesson: Importance of Learning from Mistakes
Explanation: Franny creates a robot to do her chores, but it doesn't go as planned, and chaos ensues. Despite this, Franny learns from her mistakes and figures out how to fix the situation.
Real-World Application: This teaches children that mistakes are a part of learning and growing. It's essential to try new things, even if they don't always work out, and to learn from these experiences to improve.
Example Lesson: Value of Perseverance
Explanation: Throughout the book, Franny faces various challenges but she doesn’t give up. Her determination to solve problems, whether in her experiments or personal dilemmas, showcases her perseverance.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to keep trying and not to give up easily, whether they are dealing with academic challenges, learning a new skill, or resolving conflicts with friends.
Example Lesson: Creative Problem Solving
Explanation: Franny uses her knowledge and creativity to invent gadgets and find unconventional solutions to problems. Her approach is a blend of science and creativity.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to think outside the box and use their creativity and knowledge to solve problems, enhancing their cognitive flexibility and innovation skills.