Skulduggery
Little gems Series
What’s inside...
All is happening next door, where the menacing Mr Wizer lives. What is going on? Tim is on the case, and he's determined to get to the bottom of the mystery.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
8-9
Length
128 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think makes Skulduggery a good detective? How would you solve a mystery like him?
How do the characters in the book show friendship and teamwork? Can you share a time when you worked together with friends to solve a problem?
Skulduggery has many adventures. Which adventure was your favorite and why?
If you could have any magical power like some of the characters in the book, what would it be and why?
What lessons did you learn from the story that you can use in your own life?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to describe their favorite part of the book, focusing on why it stood out to them.
Discuss the moral dilemmas that Skulduggery faces and ask your child what they would have done in his place.
Identify new words or concepts in the book together and relate them to real-life examples or personal experiences.
Utilize visual aids like drawings or story maps to help your child outline the story’s plot and main events.
Share your thoughts about the book and its themes, and ask open-ended questions to guide your child to express their opinions and thoughts.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of teamwork
Explanation: In 'Skulduggery', characters must work together to solve mysteries and overcome challenges, showcasing how collaboration leads to success.
Real-World Application: Children learn to cooperate with others in school projects or team sports, understanding that collective effort can achieve great results.
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of adversity
Explanation: The protagonist, despite fears, takes brave steps to confront challenges, teaching children that courage is not the absence of fear, but acting in spite of it.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to face their own fears, whether it’s trying out for a school play, standing up against bullying, or learning new skills.
Example Lesson: The value of curiosity and asking questions
Explanation: The lead characters’ quest for answers and truth in the story highlights the importance of being inquisitive and persistent.
Real-World Application: Promotes a mindset of lifelong learning and critical thinking in children, helping them to question and understand the world around them.
Example Lesson: Integrity and honesty
Explanation: Characters in 'Skulduggery' learn that honesty leads to trust and better relationships, illustrating the long-term benefits of integrity.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the importance of being truthful in their daily interactions and building trust with friends and family.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: Throughout the book, characters encounter various obstacles which they must think creatively to resolve, demonstrating effective problem-solving.
Real-World Application: Children learn to apply creative thinking and reasoning to solve homework challenges or resolve conflicts with peers.