Tuesday - The Curse of the Blue Spots (Total Mayhem 2)
#2 of 14 in Total Mayhem Series
on Goodreads (131)
What’s inside...
The second book in the hilarious action comedy chapter book series from New York Times bestselling duo Ralph Lazar and Lisa Swerling! There's a weird smell of sardines around here, and someone super-creepy has been skulking around near the pump-house. I think there might be some mischief afoot. When Dash and his classmates start coming down with blue spots all over their faces, nobody knows what's going on. But Dash has his suspicions. Does it have something to do with the Face-Pulling Championships later in the day? Dash needs to act, and fast! Hilarious, action-packed illustrations throughout. Ideal for reluctant readers, this is perfect for fans of Tom Gates, Dog Man and Diary of a Wimpy Kid. Explores universal themes of friendship, courage and being bold.
Character compass
Dash Candoo
Discussion points
What do you think caused the blue spots in the story, and why?
How did the characters react to the unexpected events, and what does that teach us about handling surprises?
If you were in the story, how would you help solve the mystery of the blue spots?
What do you think is the main message of this book, and why is it important?
How do the illustrations enhance your understanding of the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Ask your child to summarize the story before diving into the questions to ensure they understand the plot.
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story, validating their opinions to foster a supportive conversation.
Connect the themes of the book with real-life situations which can help your child relate to the characters and their experiences.
Use expressive reading techniques, altering your tone and pace to match the mood of the scenes, making the reading experience more engaging.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Collaboration
Explanation: Throughout the book, characters must work together to understand and solve the mystery of the blue spots, demonstrating the importance and effectiveness of teamwork.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by participating in group activities or team sports, learning to cooperate and value each other's contributions.
Example Lesson: Problem-Solving Skills
Explanation: The protagonists employ critical thinking and reasoning to uncover clues and deduce the cause of the bizarre events, showcasing problem-solving in action.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to approach challenges in their own lives methodically, thinking through the steps and possible solutions before acting.
Example Lesson: Responsibility and Consequences
Explanation: The story highlights how actions have consequences and underscores the responsibility each character bears for their choices.
Real-World Application: Children learn that their actions impact others and that they should think about the outcomes before making decisions.
Example Lesson: Courage in the Face of Fear
Explanation: Characters in the book often face scary situations, and they learn to overcome their fears to help their friends and save the day.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to face their own fears and understand that bravery isn’t about not being afraid, but about acting despite those fears.
Example Lesson: Importance of Communication
Explanation: The book shows how misunderstandings can create conflict and how open communication can resolve it, teaching the effectiveness of clear dialogue.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children improve their communication skills, making it easier for them to express their feelings and resolve disputes amicably.