Uncle Gobb and the Dread Shed
Uncle Gobb Series
What’s inside...
Malcolm is an ordinary ten-year-old who finds himself in an extraordinary adventure involving his bossy uncle, baked beans, a boring school, the Italian city of Ponky, and a genie that appears when he rubs his nose. Written by the talented Michael Rosen and illustrated by Neal Layton, this uproarious comic fiction is filled with interesting yet unreliable facts that are sure to entertain young readers.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-9
Length
208 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Malcolm
Uncle Gobb
Discussion points
What do you think about Uncle Gobb's behavior and how would you feel if you were in Malcolm's shoes?
How do you think the 'Dread Shed' affects Malcolm’s school life and friendships?
Uncle Gobb has some unique ideas about education. What are your thoughts on learning and school?
If you could change one thing in Malcolm’s world, what would it be and why?
How do the funny parts of the story change the way you think about the serious themes?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use open-ended questions to encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story.
Link discussions to your child's experiences, asking if they've ever felt similar to Malcolm or had similar challenges.
Highlight the humor in the story to make the conversation enjoyable and relatable, fostering a love for reading.
Encourage creativity by asking your child how they might solve problems differently than the characters in the book.
Wrap up your discussion by asking your child what they learned from the story and how they might apply this in their own life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The value of questioning and critical thinking
Explanation: Throughout the story, Malcolm challenges Uncle Gobb’s authoritarian rules and the absurd educational system, illustrating the importance of questioning authority and thinking critically.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by feeling empowered to ask questions in their own learning environments and not accepting everything at face value.
Example Lesson: The power of imagination
Explanation: Malcolm’s imaginative plans to tackle problems like the Dread Shed show how creativity can offer solutions to seemingly insurmountable challenges.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to use their creativity to solve problems in everyday situations, enhancing their problem-solving skills.
Example Lesson: The importance of standing up for oneself
Explanation: Malcolm stands up to Uncle Gobb and the oppressive educational regime, demonstrating self-advocacy and courage.
Real-World Application: Children learn to assert themselves in situations where they feel their rights or opinions are being overshadowed or ignored.
Example Lesson: The significance of collaboration
Explanation: Malcolm and his friend Crackersnacker come together to face challenges, highlighting the strength and success found in teamwork.
Real-World Application: Children understand the value of cooperating with others to achieve common goals, whether in school projects or in play.
Example Lesson: Understanding and respecting differences
Explanation: The diverse responses of characters to Uncle Gobb's rules underline the importance of acknowledging and respecting different perspectives.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children appreciate diverse opinions and ways of life, fostering empathy and social inclusiveness.