Solomon Smee Versus the Monkeys
on Goodreads (5)
What’s inside...
Royal Nerdal Norton is a town so small and insignificant that only the gods and mapmakers have heard of it. The town has a problem with small brown monkeys wreaking havoc and no one can stop them. Poor widowed Harry Smee, a low-ranking civil servant, bears the brunt of the mayor's frustration. However, Harry's son Solomon, teams up with the mayor's daughter and Harry's long-lost love, to devise a plan. Together, they trap the monkeys safely and return them to their natural habitat, allowing the town to live happily ever after.
Age
7-10
Length
192 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Solomon Smee felt when he first met the monkeys? Can you imagine yourself in his shoes?
What do you think the monkeys represent in the story? How do they affect Solomon’s journey?
How did Solomon’s actions change the course of the story? What would you have done differently?
What lessons can we learn from Solomon’s adventures? How can these lessons be applied in your daily life?
If you could talk to Solomon, what advice would you give him for his next adventure?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading to bring the character's emotions and the book’s setting to life, making the narrative more engaging for the child.
Encourage the child to draw their favorite scene or character from the book. This can lead to a deeper discussion about why they found that part impactful.
Relate the challenges faced by Solomon to real-life situations the child might encounter, helping them connect with the story on a personal level.
Ask the child to predict what might happen next after crucial plot points, then discuss the actual outcomes in the story to enhance critical thinking.
After reading, co-create a short story with your child where Solomon goes on a new adventure, using the themes discussed to guide the narrative.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of Teamwork
Explanation: Solomon Smee learns to work together with the monkeys to solve problems, demonstrating that collaboration can lead to better solutions.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by engaging in group activities at school or play, learning to cooperate and value input from others to achieve common goals.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the Face of Challenges
Explanation: Throughout the story, Solomon faces various obstacles but continues to try different strategies without giving up, highlighting the value of perseverance.
Real-World Application: This lesson can inspire children to persist through difficulties in their learning or personal challenges, understanding that resilience is key to overcoming obstacles.
Example Lesson: Respect for Differences
Explanation: Solomon and the monkeys initially struggle to get along due to their differences, but they learn to respect and appreciate each other's unique qualities.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to embrace diversity among their peers, recognizing and respecting each person’s differences as strengths rather than barriers.
Example Lesson: Creative Problem-Solving
Explanation: The book showcases Solomon using inventive methods to navigate tricky situations, encouraging out-of-the-box thinking.
Real-World Application: Kids can be encouraged to think creatively when faced with a problem, using their imagination to explore various solutions.
Example Lesson: Humility and Learning from Mistakes
Explanation: Solomon's journey teaches him to admit his mistakes and learn from them, a crucial step in personal growth.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand the importance of acknowledging when they are wrong and using it as an opportunity to learn and improve.