Granny Nothing and the Secret Weapon
#3 in Granny Nothing Series
on Goodreads (2)
What’s inside...
Ewen's school rugby team is struggling and he is their best player, despite not being very good at rugby. As the team despairs of ever winning a game, Granny Nothing steps in with a mysterious 'secret weapon' to turn their fortunes around. Meanwhile, Nanny Sue discovers she is cursed and seeks help, but Granny Nothing is preoccupied with her duties as an international spy. This humorous series by award-winning author Cathy MacPhail marks a new direction for her writing.
Discussion points
What do you think makes Granny Nothing's secret weapon so special?
How do the characters in the book show bravery or courage?
Can you think of a time when you had to use your own 'secret weapon' or special skill to solve a problem?
Why do you think the author chose Granny Nothing as the main character?
What do you feel is the most important message in this story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Begin the conversation by summarizing the story together to ensure understanding.
Allow your child to express their views first before sharing your own thoughts.
Relate the themes of the story to your child's personal experiences to make the discussion more relatable.
Encourage your child to imagine different endings or scenarios within the story to foster creativity.
Praise your child for their insights and thoughts about the book to boost their confidence and encourage further discussions.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of resilience
Explanation: In the story, characters face challenges but learn to overcome them with perseverance and courage.
Real-World Application: Children can understand that facing difficulties is part of life and learning to persist through them is crucial for success.
Example Lesson: Value of friendships
Explanation: Characters in 'Granny Nothing and the Secret Weapon' develop strong bonds of friendship that help them navigate their adventures, showing the power of cooperation and trust.
Real-World Application: This can teach children to cherish and nurture their relationships, understanding that teamwork can often lead to better solutions.
Example Lesson: Respect for the elderly
Explanation: The character of Granny Nothing demonstrates wisdom and leadership, highlighting the importance of respecting and listening to older generations.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate the experiences and knowledge that their elders can share, promoting intergenerational respect.
Example Lesson: Using creativity to solve problems
Explanation: The plot revolves around characters using inventive methods to tackle obstacles, underscoring creativity as a valuable skill.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to think outside the box and use their imagination to solve problems in everyday life.
Example Lesson: The power of self-belief
Explanation: Throughout the book, characters achieve their goals by believing in themselves and their abilities, illustrating the importance of self-confidence.
Real-World Application: Helps children understand the importance of believing in themselves to overcome self-doubt and achieve their personal aims.