The Secret Time Machine and the Gherkin Switcheroo
#2 of 2 in Worm & Pigeon Series
on Goodreads (42)
What’s inside...
Comic artist Simone Lia brings back the unlikely duo from They Didn’t Teach THIS in Worm School! in another buddy comedy. Marcus is in trouble. He didn’t think his friend Laurence would actually believe him when he said that his super brainy aunt built the very first time machine. He only made up the story in a spur-of-the-moment bid to win a silly argument! Now how on earth will he make the story come true? In a quirky new adventure starring the most unexpected of friends — a worm and a bird — Simone Lia pulls out all the theatrical stops to deliver a laugh-out-loud companion to They Didn’t Teach THIS in Worm School! A brand-new buddy comedy from the internationally renowned comic artist Simone Lia.
Discussion points
What do you think you would do if you had a secret time machine like the characters in the book?
How did the characters feel when they switched places with the gherkins? Can you relate to their feelings?
Why is teamwork important when solving big problems, like in the story?
What did you learn from the adventure that the characters had?
If you could change one thing in the story, what would it be and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Begin the discussion by sharing your favorite part of the book. Ask your child about their favorite scene and why they liked it.
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in the story, asking how they might react to situations similar to those faced by the characters.
Discuss the moral of the story and its relevance to your child's everyday life. Relate the characters' experiences to real-world scenarios to deepen understanding.
Ask your child to draw or act out their favorite scene. This encourages creative expression and helps reinforce story recall and comprehension.
Be attentive and listen actively to your child's responses. Validate their feelings and thoughts to make the conversation a safe space for expression.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of teamwork
Explanation: The characters in 'The Secret Time Machine and the Gherkin Switcheroo' collaborate to solve the mystery of the Gherkin Switcheroo, showcasing how working together can lead to success.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by participating in group activities, learning to cooperate and value each other's contributions, enhancing their social skills and collaborative spirit.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and exploration
Explanation: The protagonist's journey in building a secret time machine ignites a sense of adventure and discovery, underscoring the thrill and educational value of exploring the unknown.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to engage in creative play or explore new subjects, helping them develop a lifelong love for learning and an inquisitive mindset.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: Throughout the book, characters encounter various challenges and use critical thinking to navigate them, emphasizing the significance of logic and creativity in overcoming obstacles.
Real-World Application: Kids can use these strategies to approach their own challenges, whether in academic settings or daily interactions, promoting a proactive and resilient attitude.
Example Lesson: Understanding consequences
Explanation: The story illustrates how actions, such as tampering with time, can have unforeseen consequences, teaching responsibility and foresight.
Real-World Application: This lesson is vital for children as they learn to think ahead and consider the potential outcomes of their actions in both personal and communal contexts.
Example Lesson: The value of honesty
Explanation: The book highlights scenarios where characters must choose to be truthful, reinforcing the importance of honesty in building trust and integrity.
Real-World Application: Children can relate this to their lives by understanding that being honest improves relationships and builds a strong moral foundation.