The Ghastly McNastys: Raiders of the Lost Shark
#3 in The Ghastly McNastys Series
What’s inside...
Best friends Tat and Hetty are excited when they read in the Little Snoring Gazette that Captain Syd's lost treasure might be buried in Little Snoring castle. Eager to find it, they are hindered by Hollywood director Bigwig Junior the Third, who is filming his new movie at the castle. To complicate things, the notorious Ghastly McNasty pirate twins return, determined to find the treasure themselves. Together, Tat and Hetty must outsmart these villainous pirates in their quest for the treasure. This humorous early chapter book by Lyn Gardner, illustrated by Ros Asquith, engages young readers with witty wordplay, slapstick jokes, and clever illustrations, while subtly enhancing their critical-thinking skills.
Discussion points
What do you think motivates the Ghastly McNastys to go on their adventures?
How do the characters in the story show courage or cleverness?
If you could talk to any character in the book, who would it be and what would you ask them?
What would you do if you found a lost treasure? How would you use it?
How do you think the story would change if it was set in our town?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think creatively and beyond the text. Ask them how they relate to the events and characters. Discuss the moral and values conveyed through the story, asking your child what lessons they might apply to their own life. Use expressive and animated tones to mimic the adventurous and humorous style of the book, making the discussion more lively and engaging.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Cooperation
Explanation: In 'The Ghastly McNastys: Raiders of the Lost Shark', the protagonists work together to solve problems and overcome challenges posed by the pirates.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of collaborating with others to achieve common goals, which is a vital skill in school projects and family activities.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Problem Solving
Explanation: The characters frequently use their imagination and creativity to navigate tricky situations, outsmarting the pirates.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to think outside the box and apply creative thinking in their daily tasks and problem-solving scenarios.
Example Lesson: Value of Perseverance
Explanation: Throughout the book, the young heroes face various obstacles but remain determined to reach their goals, demonstrating resilience.
Real-World Application: Kids are inspired to persevere through their own challenges, whether it be completing a difficult homework assignment or learning a new skill.
Example Lesson: Consequences of Greed
Explanation: The Ghastly McNastys are driven by greed, which leads to many of their downfalls, drawing a clear moral line on the consequences of such behavior.
Real-World Application: This serves as a cautionary tale, teaching children the importance of being content and the pitfalls of excessive greed in their interpersonal relationships and personal choices.