Up and Down the Scratchy Mountains
What’s inside...
This is the tale of Lucy and her best friend, Wynston, who used to spend their days paddling in the river and picking blackberries. However, when King Desmond assigns Wynston the tasks of ruby-shining and princess-finding, Lucy feels left out and sets off to the Scratchy Mountains to solve the mystery of her missing mother. Wynston follows her, and together they embark on a series of strange and wonderful adventures.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-11
Length
256 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Why do you think Lucy decided to go on an adventure to find her mother?
What qualities does Wynston show that make him a good friend?
How do the challenges Lucy faces help her grow throughout the story?
What would you do if you were in Lucy’s place when she faced obstacles?
How does the story's setting in the Scratchy Mountains affect the characters and their adventures?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate to Lucy by discussing times they have faced challenges. Highlight Wynston's supportive traits and discuss the importance of friendship. Use the fantasy elements of the story to ignite creativity, asking the child how they would imagine a world like the Scratchy Mountains. After reading, encourage your child to draw their favorite scene or character from the book, discussing why they chose that particular element.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: Throughout 'Up and Down the Scratchy Mountains,' characters encounter numerous challenges but continue to pursue their goals, demonstrating the importance of perseverance.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by continuing to work towards their goals, be it in academics, sports, or personal projects, despite facing difficulties.
Example Lesson: Friendship
Explanation: The story emphasizes the value of friendship through the characters’ supportive and caring interactions, showing how friends can help overcome obstacles together.
Real-World Application: Children learn to value and nurture relationships, understanding that cooperation and empathy are key components of friendship.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Exploration
Explanation: The protagonist’s adventurous spirit to explore new places captures the essence of curiosity and the joy of discovering the unknown.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to be inquisitive and explore the world around them, whether that means asking questions in class, trying out a new hobby, or reading about different cultures.
Example Lesson: Problem-Solving
Explanation: Characters in the book often face puzzles and challenges that require critical thinking and creativity to resolve.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to approach problems in real life with a strategic mindset, enhancing their analytical skills and confidence in handling difficult situations.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: As characters in the book encounter different life situations, they learn to understand and share the feelings of others, portraying the importance of empathy.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to consider other people’s perspectives and emotions, fostering a more compassionate approach to interactions with others.