Trouble in Toyland/the Secret of the Stolen Puppies (Bobbsey Twins)
The Bobbsey Twins Series
on Goodreads (1)
What’s inside...
In 'Trouble in Toyland/the Secret of the Stolen Puppies,' part of the Bobbsey Twins series by Laura Lee Hope, the Bobbsey family finds themselves embroiled in two mysteries. In 'Trouble in Toyland,' the twins discover sabotage at a toy store and work together to uncover the culprit. In 'The Secret of the Stolen Puppies,' they investigate a puppy-napping scheme and strive to bring the thieves to justice, using their detective skills and teamwork throughout both adventures.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-12
Length
192 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think made the puppies get stolen, and how would you have tried to solve this mystery?
How did the characters in the story work together to find the puppies? What can we learn from their teamwork?
Why is it important to look out for each other, like the characters in the book do? Can you think of a time you helped someone?
What would you do if you were in the Bobbsey Twins' shoes and found yourself in Toyland? What adventures would you like to have?
How do you think the story would change if it was set in today's world? What gadgets or tools would the Bobbsey Twins use?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use a casual, conversational tone to make the discussion feel relaxed and enjoyable, rather than like a test or chore.
Allow your child to express their thoughts and opinions fully before responding or adding your thoughts, fostering an open dialogue.
Relate the characters' experiences to your child’s life by asking them to think of similar situations they might have encountered.
Encourage your child to imagine alternative endings or continuation of the story to develop their creativity and storytelling skills.
Highlight the moral and values presented in the story, discussing how these could be applied in real-life scenarios.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Cooperation
Explanation: The Bobbsey Twins work together to solve the mysteries, demonstrating the power of teamwork.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of collaborating with others to achieve common goals, useful in school projects and family tasks.
Example Lesson: Problem-Solving Skills
Explanation: Throughout the book, the twins encounter challenges that require critical thinking and decision-making to resolve the mysteries.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to think critically and make informed decisions when facing their own challenges.
Example Lesson: Responsibility and Care
Explanation: The twins show responsibility by looking after the stolen puppies and searching for their rightful owner.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the importance of caring for animals and taking responsibility for pets.
Example Lesson: Justice and Honesty
Explanation: The quest to find the truth behind the stolen puppies highlights the values of honesty and seeking justice.
Real-World Application: Reinforces the concept of being truthful and fair in dealings with others, fostering a sense of integrity.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Kindness
Explanation: The twins display empathy by understanding the distress of the puppies' owner and the puppies themselves.
Real-World Application: Promotes understanding and compassion towards others' feelings, encouraging supportive interactions in a child's social environment.