Mal and Chad: The Biggest, Bestest Time Ever!
#1 of 3 in Mal And Chad Series
on Goodreads (1,973)
What’s inside...
MAL AND CHAD is a comic-strip graphic novel about Mal, a super kid genius, and his talking dog, Chad. Together, they embark on adventures, including time-traveling, which often leads to them being grounded by Mal's mom. This illustrated chapter book by Stephen McCranie is humorous, clever, and full of heart, making it an ideal read for reluctant readers or those transitioning from picture books. It's the first in a series that promises more laughter and adventure.
Character compass
Mal
Megan
Chad
Discussion points
What do you think Mal learned about friendship throughout their adventures?
How did Mal and Chad handle challenges differently and what can we learn from that?
Why do you think teamwork was important in the story?
What would you have done if you were in Mal’s shoes during their big adventure?
How did the story make you feel and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think deeply about the characters' experiences and emotions. Connect the story's themes to real-life situations that your child may encounter. Talk about the importance of friendship and teamwork as demonstrated in the book, relating them to your child’s personal experiences. Use expressive questions that make your child think about the choices they would make in similar situations. Lastly, have fun with the discussion, using the book as a bridge to understand your child’s personal values and thoughts.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of friendship
Explanation: Mal and his dog, Chad, demonstrate a strong bond and teamwork throughout their adventures, showing how friends support and rely on each other.
Real-World Application: Children learn to value and nurture friendships, understanding that cooperation and empathy are key in building strong relationships.
Example Lesson: Creativity and imagination
Explanation: Mal uses his intellectual prowess to invent and imagine solutions to problems, showcasing the power of creativity.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to think outside the box and use their imagination to solve problems and engage creatively in play and learning.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of challenges
Explanation: Throughout the story, Mal faces various challenges but never gives up, teaching persistence and resilience.
Real-World Application: Instills the value of perseverance in children, motivating them to keep trying despite difficulties and to view failures as opportunities for growth.
Example Lesson: The joy of learning
Explanation: Mal's curiosity drives him to explore and learn new things constantly, which brings joy and excitement into his adventures.
Real-World Application: Inspires children to approach learning with enthusiasm and curiosity, making educational activities enjoyable and fulfilling.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: The book presents Mal solving various puzzles and problems using his intelligence and resources.
Real-World Application: Helps children develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills, which are essential in academic and everyday situations.