Flying Fergus 8: Trouble on the Track
#8 of 10 in Flying Fergus Series
What’s inside...
In the eighth installment of the Flying Fergus series, Fergus and his friends face new challenges and adventures on the track. As they prepare for the upcoming race, they must overcome obstacles and learn valuable lessons about teamwork and perseverance. The fantastically fun, magical cycling adventure series from Sir Chris Hoy. It's decision time for Fergus and the rest of the squad. Training together has been going well but the International Championships are nearly here, and it's time to name the four riders who will be in the starting line-up. The coaches decide the only fair thing to do is hold official trials to decide who's in - and who's out. It's neck and neck for Fergus and Daisy after the Keirin and the road race . . . and with just one race to go, tensions in the teams are riding high. Written with award-winning author Joanna Nadin, with fantastic illustrations from Clare Elsom, Flying Fergus is perfect for bike-mad boys and girls and fans of the Frankie's Magic Football series.
Character compass
Fergus Hamilton
Daisy
Grandad
Discussion points
What do you think Fergus felt when he encountered trouble on the track? How would you feel in a similar situation?
Why is teamwork important when facing challenges? Can you share a time when you worked with others to solve a problem?
What do you think makes Fergus a good friend? Who are your good friends and what makes them special to you?
How do Fergus and his friends handle setbacks? What can we learn from their experiences?
Tip: Role play these questions
Foster empathy by relating Fergus’s feelings to personal experiences your child may have had. Encourage them to share and reflect on similar emotions. Highlight the importance of cooperation and ask your child about times they had to work with others to achieve a goal. Discuss the characteristics of a good friend and encourage your child to think about how they can be a good friend to others. Use setbacks in the story to talk about resilience and problem-solving strategies they can employ in their own life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Cooperation
Explanation: The book demonstrates how Fergus and his friends work together to tackle challenges during their cycling adventures. It highlights the effectiveness of collaborating towards a common goal.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of working with others which can be applied in school projects, sports teams, and family activities.
Example Lesson: Handling Competition
Explanation: Fergus faces competition in the races, which teaches him how to handle competitive environments healthily and constructively.
Real-World Application: This helps children understand that competition is a part of life and teaches them to engage in it positively, whether in academics, sports, or other extracurricular activities.
Example Lesson: Overcoming Obstacles
Explanation: Throughout the book, Fergus encounters various obstacles on and off the track that he learns to overcome through perseverance and clever thinking.
Real-World Application: Teaching children resilience and the ability to solve problems when they face their own obstacles in everyday life.
Example Lesson: Importance of Honesty
Explanation: Fergus values honesty in his journey, learning that being truthful in all situations creates trust and respect among friends and competitors.
Real-World Application: This lesson will guide children to value honesty in their interactions, building strong, trustworthy relationships with peers and adults.
Example Lesson: Enjoyment in Participation
Explanation: The story underlines that winning isn't everything and the joy of participation can often outweigh the benefits of merely winning.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to enjoy and find value in taking part in various activities regardless of the outcome, promoting a healthy balance between competition and fun.