The Mystery of the Disappearing Swing
Toot & Puddle Series
on Goodreads (26)
What’s inside...
It's a hot, hot day in Woodcock Pocket. Perfect weather for the swing that Puddle has made beside the pond for his friend Opal. But when they return for a swing and a splash, all that's left is the rope. The tire is GONE! They attach another tire but the very next day, it happens again...and AGAIN! Toot and Puddle have a mystery to solve: The Mystery of the Disappearing Swing.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-7
Length
24 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Why do you think the swing disappeared? Who might be responsible for it?
What would you do if your favorite plaything went missing?
How did the characters in the book feel when they discovered the swing was gone?
What are some ways the characters tried to solve the mystery?
If you could write the ending of the story, how would you bring the swing back?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, ask your child what they expect from a book titled 'The Mystery of the Disappearing Swing'. This sets the stage for curiosity.
While reading, pause at suspenseful moments and ask your child to predict the next events. This encourages analytical thinking.
Discuss the emotions of different characters at various points in the story to foster empathy and understanding.
After finishing the book, engage your child in a creative activity such as drawing their favorite scene or writing an alternative ending.
Relate the story to personal experiences by discussing a time when your child lost something important and how it was resolved.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Cooperation
Explanation: Children are shown collaborating to solve the mystery of the disappearing swing, highlighting the importance of working together.
Real-World Application: Kids can use teamwork in school projects or sports, teaching them to value collective effort over individual success.
Example Lesson: Problem-Solving Skills
Explanation: The characters use clues and logical reasoning to uncover the truth behind the disappearing swing, demonstrating effective problem-solving techniques.
Real-World Application: Children learn to apply critical thinking to overcome challenges in their studies or in resolving conflicts with peers.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: The children in the story learn to take responsibility for community resources, understanding their role in maintaining and respecting shared spaces.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children look after their own belongings and communal areas, be it at home or school.
Example Lesson: Creativity
Explanation: Solving the mystery requires creative thinking, as the children devise inventive ways to track down leads and clues.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to think creatively in their daily activities and find innovative solutions to problems.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: The story showcases the children’s understanding and consideration for others’ feelings when they discover why the swing keeps disappearing.
Real-World Application: This lesson promotes empathy by encouraging children to consider the perspectives and feelings of their peers in real-life situations.