The Out Of Tune Moon
What’s inside...
Each and every day as the sun rises over Sparkling Ridge's bay, Rusty Troll watches the bridge and collects a toll. But that is not the dream he longs for. He wants to hear the crowd shout for an encore. Rusty Troll simply wants to play rock 'n' roll. Thanks to Rusty Troll's dreaming of a tune, Loopy Martian brings down the moon. He takes control of it with his magic spoon and even captures the man in the moon. Can Rusty Troll save his town? Will he ever get his rock 'n' roll crown? Find out how things go by adding another book from Pat Hatt to your show.
Discussion points
What do you think made the moon feel out of tune? How did it affect everyone else?
Can you imagine what it would be like if you could help the moon? What would you do?
How do you think the characters in the story felt when the moon was out of tune? Have you ever felt similar?
What does this story teach us about teamwork and helping each other?
If you could write another adventure for the characters, what problem would they solve next?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use emotive questions that relate the child's personal experiences to those of the characters, enhancing empathy and understanding.
Encourage your child to think creatively by asking them to come up with alternative solutions or endings to the story.
Discuss the importance of helping and teamwork as demonstrated in the book, and relate it to real-life situations in your child’s world.
Prompt your child to think about what makes them feel 'out of tune' and explore ways they can seek help, mirroring the book’s narrative.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing individuality
Explanation: The story revolves around a moon that sings off-key, teaching children that it's okay to be different and unique.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate their own uniqueness and the diversity of others, boosting self-esteem and social acceptance.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: Despite criticism, the moon continues to sing, showcasing the value of persistence and self-confidence.
Real-World Application: Kids are encouraged to keep trying in the face of challenges, whether in learning new skills or standing up for what they believe in.
Example Lesson: Collaboration
Explanation: Animals in the story join the moon's song, demonstrating how working together can create harmony.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of teamwork and how collective efforts can achieve great results.
Example Lesson: Respecting differences
Explanation: The variety of animal characters accept the moon's unique singing voice, illustrating acceptance.
Real-World Application: Children learn to respect and celebrate differences among peers, which can lead to more inclusive behaviors.
Example Lesson: Joy in expression
Explanation: The moon's joyful singing despite being out of tune emphasizes the happiness found in self-expression.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to express themselves creatively through art, music, or dance without fear of judgment.