The Secret of Bigfoot Valley (The Boxcar Children Creatures of Legend)
#1 of 5 in The Boxcar Children Creatures Of Legend Series
illustrations by
on Goodreads (116)
What’s inside...
The Aldens are spending their first week of summer at Camp Quest in Colorado. The children are excited to learn about fossil hunting and paleontology from renowned scientist Dr. Iris Perez. But strange events at the camp make them wonder if the legends of a bigfoot-like creature roaming the valley might be more fact than fiction. Can the Aldens help Dr. Iris figure out who—or what—is causing such a stir?
Discussion points
What do you think the Boxcar Children felt when they first heard about the legend of Bigfoot?
How did the characters' approach to solving the mystery change throughout the story?
What would you do if you were part of the Boxcar Children’s team?
How do you think understanding and respecting legends can help us learn about different cultures?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing your own thoughts on the legend of Bigfoot to spark curiosity.
Encourage your child to think critically about the mystery by asking what clues they would look for.
Discuss the importance of teamwork and ask your child to point out moments where cooperation was key in the story.
Link discussions to real-life by relating the book's cultural aspects to diverse traditions and stories around the world.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Cooperation
Explanation: In 'The Secret of Bigfoot Valley', the Boxcar Children work together to uncover mysteries, demonstrating the importance of collaboration and each person’s unique contributions to solve problems.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson in group activities at school or with friends, learning how to cooperate and value others' input to achieve a common goal.
Example Lesson: Problem-Solving Skills
Explanation: Throughout the book, the children face various challenges and puzzles that they solve using critical thinking and creativity, highlighting the importance of these skills.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to approach problems in their own lives with creativity and persistence, whether it's a difficult homework problem or a disagreement with a peer.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Learning
Explanation: The characters' adventure is driven by curiosity and a desire to learn more about the mystery they are solving, showcasing the joy and value of learning.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to be curious about the world around them and to seek out knowledge, whether by asking questions in class or exploring new books and ideas.
Example Lesson: Respect for Nature
Explanation: As the story unfolds in Bigfoot Valley, the characters learn to appreciate and take care of their natural surroundings, promoting environmental awareness.
Real-World Application: This lesson can inspire children to participate in environmentally friendly practices like recycling, conserving water, or taking part in local clean-up days.