Judy Moody and the Search for Stinkodon
#11 of 15 in Judy Moody Series
What’s inside...
Judy Moody's little brother Stink is on a mission to find a rare stinkodon fossil for a school project. Together with Judy and their friends, they embark on a captivating journey from the library to their own backyard in search of the elusive fossil. Throughout the adventure, surprises await as Stink digs up their backyard hoping to uncover a relic from an extinct beast, with Judy offering her crafty assistance. As Stink aims to make the discovery of the century, his quest to find a saber-toothed cat tooth turns their backyard into an excavation site. Despite Judy's skepticism about finding such ancient remains at home, Stink's determination might just lead to a groundbreaking discovery. Will he succeed before their backyard is turned upside down? This latest story from Megan McDonald is bound to delight young readers with its lively narrative and humorous twists.
Discussion points
What do you think Judy learned during her adventure?
How would you feel if you were on a quest like Judy? What would you do differently?
Who was your favorite character in the story and why?
If you discovered a Stinkodon, what would you do next?
How do you think teamwork helped Judy and her friends in their search?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive voice and gestures while reading to bring the story to life, making it more captivating for your child.
Pause at exciting moments in the story and ask your child to predict what might happen next, enhancing their analytical skills.
Relate the story to your child’s experiences by discussing any similar situations they might have encountered or how they tackle challenges.
After reading, encourage your child to draw their favorite scene or character from the book. This helps deepen their understanding and connection to the story.
Discuss the importance of curiosity and teamwork as showcased in the book, and relate these themes to real-life family or school scenarios.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance and Determination
Explanation: Judy Moody exhibits perseverance as she embarks on a mission to find the elusive Stinkodon, showing that dedication is key to achieving goals.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to persist in their tasks or challenges, learning that perseverance can lead to success in school projects or personal goals.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Cooperation
Explanation: Throughout the book, Judy works closely with her friends and brother, learning that cooperation can make daunting tasks more manageable and enjoyable.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the importance of working with others, whether it be on group projects in school or during team sports, fostering a sense of community and support.
Example Lesson: Using Imagination and Creative Thinking
Explanation: Judy’s adventure is fueled by her vivid imagination and creative problem-solving skills, demonstrating that thinking outside the box can lead to exciting discoveries.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to engage their imagination and creativity in play, creative arts, and problem-solving scenarios both in academic and social settings.
Example Lesson: Responsibility and Accountability
Explanation: As Judy leads the expedition, she learns to take responsibility for her team and their mission, understanding the importance of being dependable.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand their role in taking responsibility for their actions and commitments, such as completing homework or chores.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Learning
Explanation: Judy's quest for the Stinkodon sparks curiosity and leads her to learn a lot about creatures and fossils, showing that curiosity is a gateway to learning.
Real-World Application: Children learn to ask questions and seek out answers, enhancing their educational experience and understanding of the world around them.