Surprise, Surprise!
#19 in Mary-Kate and Ashley. Series
What’s inside...
Meet Mary-Kate and Ashley, the Tween Queen Twins! Your new best friends have just arrived. The good news is - Mary-Kate made the White Oak winter sports team! The bad news is - she has no money to buy her own snowboard. She asks Ashley to help her, but Ashley has problems of her own. She's trying to win a dream job at a hot new fashion magazine. Should they break the rules to get what they want? By Megan Stine. From the series created by Robert Griffard and Howard Adler.
Discussion points
What do you think is the biggest surprise in the story, and why?
How do the characters react to surprises? Can you relate to their reactions?
What lessons do you think the characters learned by the end of the book?
If you could create your own surprise in the story, what would it be and for whom?
How do you feel when you get a surprise?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings and thoughts about the surprises in the story. Use expressive facial gestures and voice modulation to make the discussion more lively and engaging. Relate the surprises in the book to real-life events your child may have experienced to make connections and deepen understanding. Praise their responses to boost their confidence and keep them engaged in the conversation. Share your own stories of surprises to create a bond and show that surprises are a universal experience.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of Sharing
Explanation: In 'Surprise, Surprise!', the main character learns the value of sharing their toys during a surprise party, which leads to a more enjoyable experience for everyone involved.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by sharing their belongings with friends or siblings, fostering a sense of cooperation and generosity.
Example Lesson: Problem-Solving Skills
Explanation: Throughout the book, the characters encounter various challenges in organizing the surprise party, and they must come up with creative solutions to ensure the party's success.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to think critically and creatively when faced with obstacles, skills that are applicable in school projects and daily challenges.
Example Lesson: The Joy of Surprise
Explanation: The book highlights the excitement and happiness that surprises can bring, as seen through the joyful reactions of the characters to the unexpected party.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate and create small surprises for others, which can enhance the bonds between family and friends, making everyday life more enjoyable.
Example Lesson: Value of Teamwork
Explanation: The successful execution of the surprise party is a result of all characters working together each contributing their unique skills.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to value collaborative efforts and shows them that working in a team can achieve great results, which is especially useful in group activities at school or in sports.