Horace & Bunwinkle: The Case of the Rascally Raccoon
#2 of 3 in Horace & Bunwinkle Series
What’s inside...
The second book in a young middle grade mystery-adventure series follows Horace, an anxious Boston Terrier, and Bunwinkle, an exuberant potbellied pig, as they team up to solve crimes in their barnyard and local neighborhood. After solving their first mystery, Horace is flying high, but Bunwinkle is struggling with fear and embarrassment. A new case arises when Shoo the raccoon, accused of causing garbage upheavals and break-ins, seeks their help to prove his innocence. Meanwhile, Eleanor faces financial difficulties and plans to start a community Farmer’s Market, but encounters unexpected setbacks. With time running out, Horace and Bunwinkle must solve the mysteries to save Shoo and the Homestead.
Character compass
Horace
Bunwinkle
Lucy Farnsworth
Rascally Raccoon
Discussion points
What do you think Horace and Bunwinkle felt when they met the rascally raccoon? How would you feel in their situation?
How did the characters work together to solve the mystery? Can you think of a time when you had to work with someone to solve a problem?
What were some of the clues that helped Horace and Bunwinkle solve the case? What would you have done if you were them?
How did Horace and Bunwinkle change from the beginning to the end of the story? What did they learn?
If you could ask any character in the book a question, who would you ask and what would you ask them?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts by asking them to describe their favorite part of the story and why it stood out to them.
Build a connection to the characters by asking your child how they relate to Horace or Bunwinkle, discussing their own experiences with friendships and teamwork.
Develop critical thinking by discussing the clues in the story and asking your child what other solutions could have been possible for the characters.
Stimulate imagination by asking your child to invent a new adventure for Horace and Bunwinkle, discussing what challenges and allies they might encounter.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Collaboration
Explanation: Horace and Bunwinkle demonstrate strong teamwork as they solve mysteries together, showcasing how combining skills and working as a team leads to success.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of cooperating with others in group tasks at school or during play to achieve common goals.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: Throughout the book, the characters encounter puzzles and challenges that require critical thinking and creativity to solve.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to think critically and creatively when faced with challenges in their own lives, encouraging them to find solutions rather than giving up.
Example Lesson: Courage and Bravery
Explanation: The characters often face scary situations but find the courage to confront their fears and take action, demonstrating bravery.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of facing their fears and the importance of bravery in overcoming obstacles in everyday situations such as trying new activities or standing up for themselves.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: Horace and Bunwinkle show empathy towards other characters, understanding their feelings and perspectives.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand the importance of considering others' feelings and perspectives, fostering empathy and better interpersonal relationships.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: Despite setbacks, Horace and Bunwinkle continue to pursue their goals, showcasing resilience and perseverance.
Real-World Application: This instills in children the importance of persistence and resilience in achieving goals despite difficulties, applicable in their academic and personal endeavors.