Fizzlebert Stump and the Girl Who Lifted Quite Heavy Things
#4 in Fizzlebert Stump Series
What’s inside...
Follow the whimsical adventures of Fizzlebert Stump, a boy from the circus with a penchant for befriending unique characters. In this installment, Fizz meets a strong-willed girl who challenges the norms with her incredible strength. Together, they navigate the highs and lows of circus life and learn valuable lessons about friendship, self-acceptance, and the importance of being true to oneself. Perfect for fostering empathy and confidence in young readers. Perfect for fans of Mr Gum and Roald Dahl, this highly successful and widely praised series featuring a boy, a circus and a lot of silliness is now available in a bright new package. 'Freewheeling frivolity' - Financial Times. 'Once, and once only, there was a boy whose name was Fizzlebert.' Fizzlebert Stump lives in a circus and it's the great Circus of Circuses competition, but Fizzlebert Stump has no act. He's no longer the Boy Who Puts His Head In The Lion's Mouth (the lion retired) and putting his head in a crocodile's mouth instead didn't work out for some reason. Can Fizz find a new act in time? A story of circus rivalry, learning who you really are, and the problem of oddly shaped vegetables. Brilliantly bonkers and perfect for fans of Mr Gum and Lemony Snicket.
Discussion points
What do you think about Fizzlebert's decision to join the circus? How would you feel if you were in his shoes?
How did Fizzlebert's interactions with the other characters influence his journey? Can you think of a time when someone helped you make a big decision?
What does the title 'The Girl Who Lifted Quite Heavy Things' suggest about her character? What qualities do you admire in her?
Throughout the book, the theme of friendship is very important. How do these friendships help Fizzlebert and his friends overcome challenges?
If you could add another adventure in the circus, what would it be and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate the story to their experiences. Ask them to share a time when they tried something new like Fizzlebert.
Discuss the character traits of bravery, creativity, and teamwork as shown in the book. This can lead to deeper conversations about incorporating these traits into daily life.
Use the themes of the book to talk about overcoming fears and stepping out of comfort zones. Ask your child about a time they overcame a fear and what they learned from that experience.
Highlight the different roles and acts in the circus. This can be an entertaining way to explore new interests your child might have, like juggling, or learning magic tricks.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: The character of Fizzlebert Stump shows remarkable resilience as he faces various challenges with a circus life and personal quests.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of perseverance when dealing with their own challenges, understanding that being resilient can help overcome difficulties.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: Throughout the book, interactions between Fizzlebert and other characters demonstrate the significance of understanding and sharing the feelings of others.
Real-World Application: Kids are encouraged to be empathetic towards their peers, fostering a kind and supportive environment at school and home.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: Fizzlebert often finds himself in tricky situations that require clever and creative solutions, showcasing effective problem-solving skills.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to think critically and creatively when faced with their own problems, enhancing their decision-making skills.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: The story illustrates the importance of working together, especially in a community like the circus where everyone's strengths contribute to common goals.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of collaboration, understanding that teamwork can lead to better outcomes in group settings like sports or school projects.
Example Lesson: Courage
Explanation: Fizzlebert shows courage in moments of uncertainty and fear, epitomizing the bravery required to confront and overcome one's fears.
Real-World Application: This lesson inspires children to face their fears and embrace new experiences with confidence, whether trying out for a school play or making new friends.