Big Nate: Very Funny!: Two Books in One
#4 of 31 in Big Nate Series
on Goodreads (780)
What’s inside...
Now an animated series with Paramount+ and Nickelodeon, this special Big Nate volume includes all of the comics from Big Welcome To My World and Big Thunka, Thunka, Thunka. Follow the adventures of 6th grader Nate Wright as he navigates school, family, and friendships with humor and mischief. From composing a new fight song to finding treasures at a yard sale, Nate proves he's the king of comedy, despite facing challenges like cutting back on Cheez Doodles and dealing with his dog's unlikely romance. With the combined classic Big Nate collections, readers are guaranteed laughter and entertainment.
Character compass
Nate Wright
Teddy Ortiz
Francis Pope
Marty Wright
Mrs. Godfrey
Gina Hemphill-Toms
Discussion points
What do you think motivates Big Nate to be funny? How does humor influence his relationships with friends and family?
How do the other characters respond to Big Nate’s humor? Can you share an instance from the book where humor helped resolve a conflict?
If you were in Big Nate’s school, would you enjoy his jokes? Why or why not?
Do you think being funny is important? How can humor be used positively in everyday life?
Which character in the book do you relate to the most, and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Ask your child to explain the plot and characters from their perspective to gauge their understanding and interpretation of the story.
Encourage your child to think critically about the role of humor by discussing different scenarios from the book where humor was pivotal.
Link discussions to personal experiences, asking your child if they’ve ever used humor to change a situation or make someone feel better.
Praise your child’s responses to ensure they feel confident and comfortable expressing their thoughts and opinions about the book’s themes.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of resilience
Explanation: Throughout the 'Big Nate' series, Nate consistently faces challenges, whether in school or social settings, but he always tries to find creative solutions and keeps pushing forward.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to embrace challenges in their own life, understanding that perseverance and a positive attitude can help them overcome difficulties.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding others
Explanation: Nate often interacts with a diverse group of friends and learns to understand different perspectives, which helps in resolving conflicts.
Real-World Application: This lesson can teach children the value of considering other people's feelings and viewpoints, fostering better relationships and community understanding.
Example Lesson: The value of creativity
Explanation: Nate uses his imagination and creative skills, especially in his comic drawings, to express himself and cope with his teenage life.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to explore their own creative talents, which can be a valuable tool for self-expression and problem-solving.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Throughout the book, Nate is often tasked with responsibilities at school and at home, learning about the outcomes of his choices.
Real-World Application: This teaches children about accountability and the impact their actions can have on themselves and others around them.
Example Lesson: The importance of friendship
Explanation: The series highlights Nate’s relationships with his friends and how they support each other through various trials.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the significance of building and maintaining positive friendships, and how valuable a supportive social network can be.