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The Secret Plan

OverDrive Read Series

3.89
on Goodreads (167)

What’s inside...

You know how bedtime always gets in the way of fun? Not this time!Milo and his kittycat neighbors have noticed that bedtime always seems to come just when they are having the most fun. So they hatch a secret let's fool Mommy-and-Daddy plan and find the "most perfect no bedtime ever place" to have just a little more fun before sleep. Then, a let's-all-pile-in-together slumber party proves to be the perfect nightcap. Kids will enjoy all the charm of this lovely let's-not-go-to-bed-yet book--which does end with everyone fast asleep!From the Hardcover edition.
Series reading

Non-Sequential

Age

3-7

Length

32 pages

Text complexity

Discussion points

What do you think Milo and his friends felt when their bedtime routines kept getting interrupted? How would you feel?
Why do you think it's important for Milo and his friends to come up with a secret plan?
How did working together help the characters in the story? Can you think of a time when you worked with others to solve a problem?
What are some ways you can help your friends, like Milo helped his?
What would you have done differently if you were one of the characters in 'The Secret Plan'?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story's events and characters. Ask open-ended questions that prompt deeper thinking. Relate the characters' experiences to your child's life to make the story more relevant and engaging. After discussing, you might suggest acting out the favorite part of the book together to foster creativity and dramatization skills.

Key lessons

Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: In 'The Secret Plan', the characters Elephant, Mouse and Cat work together to outsmart the determined bedtime enforcer, a little girl. By pooling their ideas and efforts, they create a ship where they can play uninterrupted.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of collaborating with others to achieve a common goal. This can be applied in group activities at school or in sports, encouraging them to value cooperation and teamwork.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: Throughout the book, the animal friends encounter several problems as they try to find a place where they can play without interruption. They use their ingenuity to come up with creative solutions, like creating a ship made of pillows.
Real-World Application: This lesson reinforces the idea that problems can be approached and solved in imaginative ways. Kids can be encouraged to think critically and creatively when faced with obstacles, whether in their playtime or homework.
Example Lesson: Persistence
Explanation: Despite numerous attempts by the little girl to enforce bedtime, the animals persistently strive to find a space where they can continue their fun. Their perseverance ultimately leads them to success.
Real-World Application: Children are taught the value of not giving up easily. Whether it's learning a new skill or working through a difficult subject in school, persistence is crucial for success.
Example Lesson: Adaptability
Explanation: The animals in 'The Secret Plan' show great adaptability by constantly changing their plans and strategies to avoid bedtime. They adjust their actions based on the obstacles they face.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of being flexible and adapting to changing situations. Adaptability is a valuable skill in navigating various life scenarios, from adapting to new school environments to dealing with changes in family dynamics.

The Secret Plan by Julia Sarcone-Roach