The Legend of Diamond Lil
#2 in J. J. Tully Mysteries Series
on Goodreads (796)
What’s inside...
The Legend of Diamond Lil , second book in the illustrated J.J. Tully mystery series, is perfect for elementary-school kids who love adventure and animals. New York Times bestselling author Doreen Cronin brings the same wonderful humor to the JJ. Tully whodunits that she did to her beloved picture book bestsellers like Diary of a Worm .
In this sequel to the chapter book The Trouble with Chickens , all search-and-rescue dog J.J. Tully wants is to enjoy his retirement. But mama chick Moosh and chicks Dirt and Sugar are acting strange. A possum keeps finding its way into the chicken coop. And J.J. has questions about Diamond Lil, the fancy new dog next door. He’ll have to track down the clues and sniff out the evidence to save the day.
Why read this book
- Adventure-filled story enhances problem-solving skills.
- Engaging characters foster emotional connections.
- Humorous tone promotes joyful family reading.
- Illustrations enrich visual learning and engagement.
Discussion points
What do you think makes Diamond Lil a legend in this story?
How do the characters in the book show friendship and support to each other?
What important lessons do you think J.J. Tully learns during his adventure?
If you were in this story, which character would you want to be and why?
How do you think the story would change if Diamond Lil wasn't part of it?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive tones and voices for different characters to make the reading session more immersive and enjoyable.
Pause after exciting moments in the story to discuss your child’s thoughts and predictions about what might happen next.
Relate the themes of the book, such as teamwork and bravery, to your child’s real-life experiences to deepen their understanding.
Encourage your child to draw their favorite scene or character from the book. Discuss their drawing, focusing on why they chose that particular scene or character.
After reading, ask your child to summarize the story in their own words, fostering comprehension and recall skills.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of teamwork
Explanation: In 'The Legend of Diamond Lil', characters work together to overcome challenges, demonstrating that teamwork can lead to success.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by participating in group activities at school or in sports, learning to collaborate and value each other’s contributions.
Example Lesson: Accepting differences
Explanation: This book showcases a variety of characters, each with unique traits, teaching children to embrace and celebrate differences.
Real-World Application: Kids can use this understanding to foster inclusivity and respect towards peers who may appear different from them, whether in appearance or abilities.
Example Lesson: Building self-confidence
Explanation: The protagonist, J.J. Tully, navigates through self-doubt to solve problems, showing the power of believing in oneself.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to trust their instincts and abilities when facing new challenges or learning new skills at school or in their personal life.
Example Lesson: The value of perseverance
Explanation: Despite obstacles, the characters persist in their goals, illustrating that perseverance often leads to success.
Real-World Application: Children are reminded to stay persistent with their studies, hobbies, or resolving conflicts with friends, reinforcing that effort and persistence pay off.
Example Lesson: Understanding and compassion
Explanation: Through interactions in the story, characters learn to understand and show compassion to others' feelings and situations.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children develop empathy, leading to more mindful and caring interactions with family members and classmates.