Emmy and the Rats in the Belfry (Emmy and the Rat, 3)
#3 in Emmy Series
on Goodreads (384)
What’s inside...
Don't miss the stunning conclusion to this magical middle grade series about a girl with special powers. Emmy was not an ordinary girl. She could talk to rodents. She could shrink to the size of a rodent. And just a few weeks ago, she had even become a rodent to defeat her evil former nanny, Miss Barmy. Emmy's parents, unaware of their daughter's other life, ship her off to visit two elderly aunts in Schenectady. Emmy figures her life will be ordinary at last, if rather boring. But she didn't count on her friend Ratty, whose search for his long-lost Ratmom brings him more than he bargained for. Emmy and the Rats in the Belfry is the third book in the acclaimed Emmy series by Lynne Jonell, with art by Jonathan Bean.
Character compass
Emmy Addison
Rat
Mrs. Addison
Mr. Addison
Discussion points
How do you think Emmy felt when she discovered her special abilities? Can you recall a time when you discovered something new about yourself?
What do you think makes the relationship between Emmy and the rats unique? How do you treat friends who are different from you?
In the story, Emmy faces some tough choices. What would you have done in her place and why?
Why do you think trust is important in Emmy's adventures with the rats?
How do Emmy's adventures make you think about courage and friendship? Which other characters in books or movies remind you of the themes in this story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by discussing Emmy's feelings and actions in the story, encouraging your child to connect with her character by asking how they might feel or act in similar situations.
Explore the theme of friendship with different kinds of creatures by asking your child about their friends and what makes each friendship special.
Discuss the moral decisions Emmy makes and encourage your child to think critically about choices and consequences, enhancing their problem-solving skills.
Highlight the importance of trust as shown in the book and discuss real-life scenarios where trust plays a key role.
Encourage your child to compare Emmy’s adventures with other favorite characters, fostering analytical thinking about themes and character development.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in facing challenges
Explanation: Emmy shows bravery as she navigates the obstacles presented by the rats and her adventures. Her persistence in overcoming fears and challenges is a central theme.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to face their own fears and challenges boldly, understanding that courage is not the absence of fear, but the determination to overcome it.
Example Lesson: Importance of empathy and understanding
Explanation: Throughout the book, Emmy learns to understand and empathize with the rats, which changes her initial perceptions of them.
Real-World Application: This story encourages children to practice empathy, promoting an understanding that everyone has their own story and deserves kindness.
Example Lesson: Value of problem-solving and resourcefulness
Explanation: Emmy exhibits resourcefulness in her quest to deal with the complex situations involving the rats.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to think creatively and use their resources wisely to solve problems they encounter in daily life.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and cooperation
Explanation: Emmy's interactions with the rats highlight the benefits of working together to achieve common goals.
Real-World Application: This underscores the importance of teamwork in accomplishing tasks, teaching children to collaborate effectively with others.
Example Lesson: Consequences of actions
Explanation: The narrative shows Emmy dealing with the outcomes of her decisions, teaching accountability.
Real-World Application: Kids learn that their actions have consequences, fostering a sense of responsibility and careful decision-making.