The Jackpot Disaster (Mona the Vampire)
Mona The Vampire Series
on Goodreads (10)
What’s inside...
In this readalone story for children aged 5-7, Mona gets involved in various adventures in her vampire costume. She must use her powers as Mona the Vampire to save her best friend Angela, who becomes unpleasant after her father hits the jackpot. This story is part of the TV tie-in editions of the original Mona the Vampire series which includes tales of poltergeists, disappearing friends, and monstrous transformations. These episodes were featured on Nickelodeon in the UK in Autumn 1999 and BBC 1 in Spring 2000.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-10
Length
63 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How would you feel if you discovered a mysterious object like Mona did in the story?
What would you do if you were in Mona's shoes during the jackpot disaster? Would you try to solve the mystery on your own or seek help?
Why do you think teamwork was important in solving the mystery in the story?
How do you think Mona felt when things didn't go as planned? Have you ever felt a similar way?
Which character in the story would you like to be friends with, and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in the story and to express how they would react to various events, fostering empathy and decision-making skills.
Discuss the actions of different characters and ask your child what they would have done differently, enhancing critical thinking.
Highlight the importance of teamwork as shown in the story, and relate it to real-life situations at school or home to teach collaborative skills.
Encourage your child to talk about times when things didn't go as planned and how they handled those situations, promoting resilience and emotional expression.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and collaboration
Explanation: In 'The Jackpot Disaster,' Mona and her friends work together to solve the mystery. Their collaborative efforts demonstrate the power of teamwork.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by engaging in group activities at school or in sports, learning how cooperation leads to achieving goals.
Example Lesson: Critical thinking and problem-solving
Explanation: Throughout the book, Mona uses her creative imagination and logic to solve problems, showcasing critical thinking skills.
Real-World Application: Kids can use critical thinking to tackle homework questions or resolve conflicts with peers, enhancing their decision-making skills.
Example Lesson: Importance of honesty
Explanation: Mona values honesty when she interacts with others in the story, emphasizing truthful communication.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand the value of being honest in real-life situations, such as admitting mistakes or being truthful in their relationships.
Example Lesson: Embracing individuality
Explanation: Mona is portrayed as a unique character with distinct traits and interests, teaching children to appreciate their own and others' uniqueness.
Real-World Application: Children learn to celebrate their personal strengths and differences, which can boost self-esteem and foster an inclusive attitude towards others.
Example Lesson: Persistence and resilience
Explanation: Despite obstacles, Mona remains determined and does not give up on her goals, a great display of resilience.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to persevere through their challenges, whether in learning new skills, sports, or personal goals, building a resilient mindset.