Judy Moody MD: The Doctor is In!
#5 of 15 in Judy Moody Series
What’s inside...
In this installment of the Judy Moody series, Judy gets interested in medicine after a field trip to the hospital. She begins diagnosing her classmates with rare diseases and even practices surgery (on stuffed animals) in her backyard operating theatre. Judy gets a taste of her own medicine in a hilarious new episode sure to tickle your humerus (aka funny bone) and put you in a very Judy Moody mood! She took her own temperature with a fancy thermometer that beeped, showing abnormal readings suggesting she has the temperature of an outer-space alien. Judy Moody is in a medical mood, inspired by Elizabeth Blackwell, the first woman doctor. As her class begins studying the Amazing Human Body, Judy eagerly anticipates her third-grade show-and-tell, planning to present a real-live operation and a cloning experiment that could create double trouble for Judy and her friends.
Character compass
Judy Moody
Stink Moody
Mr. Todd
Discussion points
What qualities do you think make Judy a good doctor in this story?
How do Judy's emotions and actions change throughout the book, and why do you think they change?
Can you think of a time when you helped someone like Judy does in the story?
What did you learn about doctors and medicine from reading this book?
If you were in Judy's place, what medical problem would you want to solve and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think about the relationship between Judy's hobbies and her dream of becoming a doctor, discussing how personal interests can influence career choices.
Ask your child how they felt during key moments in the book to foster empathy and understanding of the characters' experiences.
Connect Judy’s experiences to real-life by discussing any visits to doctors or hospitals, emphasizing the importance and roles of medical professionals.
Use Judy’s adventures as a starting point to explore the various specialties within medicine, perhaps looking up information together about what different doctors do.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Persistence pays off
Explanation: Judy Moody sets her sights on becoming a doctor and relentlessly pursues her goal throughout the book, never letting setbacks discourage her.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of perseverance and dedication towards achieving their dreams, which can be applied in school and extracurricular activities.
Example Lesson: Empathy and caring
Explanation: Throughout her adventures in medical pursuits, Judy demonstrates compassion and empathy towards those who are sick or in need of help.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to be more considerate and understanding towards their peers, fostering a supportive and caring environment.
Example Lesson: Learning is a continual process
Explanation: Judy’s experiences show that learning doesn’t just happen in the classroom but through everyday activities and trying new things.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to explore, ask questions, and learn from their surroundings, promoting a lifelong love of learning.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and collaboration
Explanation: Judy often collaborates with her friends and family to solve problems and achieve her goals, highlighting the importance of working together.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of cooperation and helps them develop better social skills in collaborative settings.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: As Judy navigates her way through various challenges in her quest to becoming a 'doctor,' she uses critical thinking and creativity to find solutions.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to think creatively and logically when faced with their own obstacles.