Love and Pollywogs from Camp Calamity
#2 in Effie Maloney Series
on Goodreads (46)
What’s inside...
Camp Wickitawa, here we come! Mary Hershey's third book about fourth grader Effie Maloney is a hilarious Texas adventure, complete with a camp ghost, swim lessons, rescued armadillos, campfires, and cowgirl stew. Effie has been eagerly waiting for St. Dom's special fourth-grade camp, hoping to spend a thrilling week with her two best friends. However, her excitement turns into chaos when her bossy big sister Maxey starts working there, turning Camp Oh-So-Perfect into Camp Calamity. Effie struggles to hide her poor swimming skills, as she must learn quickly to be named Outstanding Camper of the Week and restore her family's good name. Despite the challenges, Effie is determined not to feel homesick and to prove herself.
Character compass
Effie Maloney
Sister Lucille
Discussion points
What was your favorite part of the adventures at Camp Calamity and why?
How did the characters solve their problems at camp? What would you have done differently?
Why do you think friendship is important in the story?
How do the characters grow from the beginning to the end of the book?
If you were at Camp Calamity, what activities would you like to try? Why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Set aside a specific time to discuss the book, maybe after dinner or during a weekend morning.
Use the questions to guide a deeper conversation, but allow your child to express their unique thoughts and feelings without interruption.
Relate personal camp or teamwork experiences to the story to make the discussion more relatable.
Encourage your child to draw or act out their favorite scene; this can lead to more discussions about the story's themes.
Praise your child for their insights and contributions to the discussion, reinforcing their interest and confidence in expressing their thoughts.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Value of Friendship
Explanation: The characters in 'Love and Pollywogs from Camp Calamity' navigate the challenges and joys of building friendships at camp. Their interactions emphasize mutual respect, understanding, and support.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the importance of cultivating friendships and helps them understand how to be a good friend in school and other social environments.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: Throughout the story, the characters face various unexpected situations requiring them to think critically and solve problems creatively, showing resilience and teamwork.
Real-World Application: Children can apply problem-solving skills learned from the book to real-life challenges, whether in academic tasks or in overcoming personal obstacles.
Example Lesson: Handling Change
Explanation: Dealing with new environments and experiences is a central theme as the characters adapt to camp life, illustrating flexibility and openness.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand and accept changes such as moving to a new school, adjusting to a new sibling, or other life transitions.
Example Lesson: Self-Identity and Expression
Explanation: The characters explore their interests and passions while at camp, which aids in self-discovery and expression in a supportive setting.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to explore and express their own unique identities and interests in various settings, promoting self-confidence and individuality.