The Tale of Sully Smarts
illustrations by
What’s inside...
Meet Sully, a sloth with a unique ability to create, imagine, and learn. Despite being pestered by the neighborhood antagonist for his intellect, Sully is challenged to join the neighborhood race. Determined to try, Sully faces the impossible task with a 'can do' attitude. Join him on this imaginative journey and discover if his determination can lead him to success.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
0-10
Length
33 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What did you think of Sully's approach to solving the mystery? How would you have approached it?
Sully encounters many interesting characters along his journey. Who was your favorite and why?
How do you think Sully felt when he faced challenges? Have you ever felt the same way?
What is the most important lesson Sully learned? How can you apply this lesson in your own life?
If you could add another adventure to Sully's story, what would it be and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
While discussing the book, show genuine interest in your child’s responses to encourage deeper thinking.
Use follow-up questions to delve more into your child’s perspective, such as 'Can you tell me more about that?' or 'Why do you think that?'
Relate the themes or challenges faced by Sully to real-life situations your child may encounter, which can help in making the story more relevant.
Praise your child’s answers to boost confidence and promote a positive reading experience.
Encourage your child to imagine alternative endings or continuations of the story to foster creativity.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of perseverance
Explanation: Sully Smarts faces numerous challenges on his quest but he never gives up. His determination is highlighted in several scenarios where he uses his wits and resilience to overcome obstacles.
Real-World Application: Children learn that facing difficulties with a steadfast spirit can lead to success. This can help them tackle school assignments, sports, and other activities with a positive attitude, even when they encounter hardships.
Example Lesson: Value of teamwork
Explanation: Throughout the story, Sully learns that collaboration with friends can achieve greater results than working alone. This is demonstrated when Sully and his friends combine their skills to solve puzzles and navigate through adventures.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to appreciate the benefits of cooperating in group settings such as in school projects, sports teams, and family tasks, fostering a spirit of community and mutual support.
Example Lesson: Embracing diversity
Explanation: Sully Smarts interacts with characters from different backgrounds and with varied abilities, learning from each of them. The narrative shows how this diversity enriches his journey and contributes to his growth.
Real-World Application: Children are prompted to be inclusive and open-minded about differences among people in their own lives, which can enhance their social interactions and personal development.
Example Lesson: The joy of learning
Explanation: Sully's quest is driven by his curiosity and desire to learn. Each chapter introduces new knowledge and insights that excite and motivate him, underscoring the delights of discovery.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to seek knowledge eagerly in their everyday life, enhancing their academic pursuits and broadening their horizons.
Example Lesson: Courage to face fears
Explanation: Sully encounters situations that initially scare him, but he learns to overcome his fears with the support of his friends and his own growing self-confidence.
Real-World Application: It teaches children the importance of confronting and managing their fears, which is crucial for personal growth and overcoming future challenges confidently.