Mr Penguin and the Lost Treasure
#1 of 4 in Mr. Penguin Series
on Goodreads (869)
What’s inside...
From the international bestselling creator of Claude, comes a brand new hero - Mr Penguin, adventurer and penguin. Indiana Jones meets Hercule Poirot in this new Alex T. Smith series with plenty of slapstick humour, mystery and adventure. Highly illustrated throughout with a striking black and orange design. It has been weeks since Mr Penguin's last adventure and he's been stuck at his desk, twiddling his flippers ever since. That is until the phone rings! Mr Penguin and Colin (a spider and Mr Penguin's silent right hand man) are called in to find the missing treasure somewhere in the Museum of Extraordinary Objects. The quest finds them solving secret codes, fighting ferocious beasts, eating fish finger sandwiches and travelling deep below the museum to a lost jungle. Dashing detective Mr. Penguin and his Adventuring gang are in for a wild ride when they're hired to find a treasure before bandits do! From Alex T. Smith's delightfully illustrated, mystery-detective series.
Character compass
Mr. Penguin
Colin
Montague Bones
Boudicca Bones
Discussion points
What do you think Mr. Penguin feels when he sets off on his adventure for the lost treasure?
How does Mr. Penguin solve problems he encounters along the way? Can you think of a time you solved a problem?
What do you think about the friendship between Mr. Penguin and Colin the spider? How do they help each other?
Why is it important to work together when searching for the lost treasure?
How would you feel if you found a hidden treasure? What would you do with it?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive tones and voices while discussing Mr. Penguin and other characters, which can help bring the story to life for your child.
Ask your child to predict what might happen next in the story before turning the page, to build anticipation and engagement.
Relate the problem-solving situations in the book to real-life scenarios your child might face, which fosters deeper understanding and personal connection.
After reading, encourage your child to draw a scene from the book or create a map of Mr. Penguin's adventure, to extend the conversation beyond the book.
Highlight the value of teamwork and friendship in the story and discuss with your child the importance of these qualities in their own life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of Teamwork
Explanation: Mr. Penguin collaborates with his friend Colin the spider throughout the adventure, demonstrating how working as a team can help solve difficult problems.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to cooperate with their peers in school projects or sports, understanding that teamwork can lead to success.
Example Lesson: Courage and Bravery
Explanation: Mr. Penguin shows courage when facing dangerous situations to find the lost treasure. His bravery in unknown situations is highlighted throughout the story.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to face their own fears and try new activities, whether it's joining a new sports team or speaking in front of the class.
Example Lesson: Problem-Solving
Explanation: The protagonist faces various challenges and puzzles in his quest. His ability to think critically and solve problems is key to finding the lost treasure.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of critical thinking and problem-solving in everyday challenges, be it solving a math problem or figuring out how to fix a broken toy.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Exploration
Explanation: Mr. Penguin's quest for the lost treasure began from his innate curiosity and desire to explore new places, which drives the narrative.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be curious about the world around them and to explore new subjects and areas of interest.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: Despite numerous setbacks, Mr. Penguin persists in his quest for the treasure, teaching the value of perseverance.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand the importance of not giving up in the face of adversity, whether in completing a difficult homework assignment or learning a new skill.