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The Unlikely Adventures of Mabel Jones

#1 of 3 in Mabel Jones Series

illustrations by
4.05
on Goodreads (737)

What’s inside...

Mabel Jones finds herself unexpectedly kidnapped by pirates after picking her nose and eating it. She is forced to serve aboard The Feroshus Maggot with a bizarre crew and an odious wolf captain, Idryss Ebenezer Split. Her quest for freedom takes her across treacherous obstacles, into the belly of a whale, and through a decrepit crypt—all while in her pajamas. Join Mabel in this humorous fantasy-adventure as she seeks the treasure the pirates desire and attempts to escape their clutches.
In series
Series reading

Non-Sequential

Age

8-12

Length

304 pages

Text complexity

Discussion points

What qualities do you admire most in Mabel Jones and why?
How would you feel if you were suddenly whisked away on an adventure like Mabel?
What lesson did you learn from the challenges Mabel faced?
If you could create a new character in the story, what role would they play and why?
How do the friendships in the book change and develop over the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Allow your child to express their feelings about the story, validating their thoughts and emotions.
Encourage your child to imagine alternate scenarios within the book, fostering creativity and deeper thinking.
Use the themes of the book, like adventure and bravery, to relate to real-life situations your child may face.
Discuss the consequences of characters' actions and decisions, encouraging critical thinking and moral reasoning.

Key lessons

Example Lesson: The importance of bravery and courage
Explanation: Mabel Jones showcases bravery as she navigates through various adventures and challenges, despite being unexpectedly whisked away to a fantastical world.
Real-World Application: Children learn to face unfamiliar situations and challenges with bravery, building confidence in their abilities and resilience in difficult times.
Example Lesson: The value of friendship and trust
Explanation: Throughout her journey, Mabel forms bonds with diverse characters, learning to trust and work together despite their differences.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be open and form connections with others, fostering teamwork and empathy in real-world social interactions.
Example Lesson: Responsibility for one’s actions
Explanation: Mabel learns to take responsibility for her decisions and actions throughout her adventure, understanding the impact they have on others.
Real-World Application: Kids are inspired to take ownership of their actions, understand consequences, and strive to make positive choices.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving and critical thinking
Explanation: Mabel uses her wit and problem-solving skills to navigate tricky situations and puzzles she encounters on her adventure.
Real-World Application: Children learn to approach obstacles with strategic thinking and creativity, essential skills for academic and personal success.
Example Lesson: The power of imagination
Explanation: The fantastical elements and creative scenarios in 'The Unlikely Adventures of Mabel Jones' stimulate the imagination.
Real-World Application: It encourages children to dream big and use their creativity to explore possibilities beyond the conventional, enhancing creative thinking.

The Unlikely Adventures of Mabel Jones by Will Mabbitt