The Robot Dinner Lady
#1 of 6 in Jake Cake Series
on Goodreads (48)
What’s inside...
Jake Cake is an ordinary kid who enjoys writing and illustrating stories about his adventures. He insists that all his stories are true, although no one believes him. In the second book of a four-book series, Jake encounters a series of unbelievable events. He finds out that the school dinner lady is a robot who can't cook chips, discovers goblins in his garden that are not only green but also have a penchant for biting, and gets deceived by a cunning witch. This book is perfect for readers aged 7 and above.
Discussion points
Why do you think the robot dinner lady was created in the story?
How do the children in the book react to the robot dinner lady, and why do you think they reacted that way?
If you could design your own school robot, what tasks would it perform?
What are the differences between the robot and the human characters in the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine and describe their own version of a helpful school robot, fostering creativity and problem-solving skills.
Discuss the character's reactions to the robot dinner lady to explore themes of acceptance and innovation.
Use the book's illustrations to discuss visual storytelling and how pictures help us understand the story better.
Relate the story to your child’s own school experiences to make the discussion more relevant and engaging.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Differences
Explanation: In 'The Robot Dinner Lady', children encounter a robot with unique traits which at first seem odd, but they soon learn to appreciate her differences.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be open and accepting towards peers who might look, act, or think differently from them, fostering a sense of inclusivity.
Example Lesson: Importance of Teamwork
Explanation: The story shows how students work together to help the Robot Dinner Lady adapt to her new environment, highlighting cooperation and collaboration.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of working together to achieve common goals, which can be practiced during school projects or team sports.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: The characters in the book face and overcome various challenges with the Robot Dinner Lady, demonstrating critical thinking and creativity.
Real-World Application: This teaches children that problems can be resolved with thoughtful consideration and innovative ideas, skills they can use in academic and social situations.
Example Lesson: Acceptance of Change
Explanation: The students initially resist the change introduced by the Robot Dinner Lady's arrival but gradually accept and embrace her.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand that change, while sometimes uncomfortable, can lead to positive outcomes and should be embraced rather than feared.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: Despite initial setbacks and challenges, the Robot Dinner Lady perseveres in her role, teaching children about resilience and determination.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to persist in the face of difficulties, whether it's adjusting to a new school, learning a new skill, or dealing with personal setbacks.