The Broken Ear (Tintin Young Readers)
#6 of 31 in Tintin Series
on Goodreads (11,879)
What’s inside...
Join the world's most famous travelling reporter, Tintin, as he teams up with a talking parrot to solve a murder and recover the stolen Arumbaya fetish, distinguished by its broken ear. Embark on an extraordinary adventure filled with historical and political events, thrilling mysteries, and a race against time to discover the true value of the fetish. The Adventures of Tintin series, created by Hergé (Georges Remi), continues to captivate readers over 80 years after its first publication, with an estimated 230 million copies sold worldwide.
Character compass
Tintin
Thompson
Thomson
Ridgewell
Chiquito
Alonzo Perez
Ramon Bada
Colonel Alcazar
Discussion points
Why do you think Tintin decided to investigate the stolen fetish? What would you do if you were in his place?
How do the different settings in the story affect Tintin’s adventure? Which place was most interesting to you?
What role do you think friendship plays in this story? Can you point out a moment where friendship made a difference?
How did Tintin handle the challenges he faced? What can we learn from his reactions to difficult situations?
If you could change one part of the story, what would it be and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to put themselves in Tintin’s shoes, fostering empathy and enhancing their problem-solving skills.
Discuss the cultural aspects and historical settings presented in the book. This can be a gateway to educate your child on different cultures and history.
Highlight the importance of perseverance and courage displayed by Tintin when faced with obstacles. Ask your child about a time they had to be brave.
Use the vivid illustrations to spark imagination. Ask your child to describe what they see and create a story around a particular scene they like.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of resilience and perseverance
Explanation: In 'The Broken Ear,' Tintin exemplifies resilience and perseverance as he embarks on an adventurous quest to retrieve a stolen artifact. Despite facing numerous obstacles, Tintin never gives up.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to tackle challenges head-on and not be discouraged by setbacks, whether in school projects or personal goals.
Example Lesson: Understanding cultural sensitivity
Explanation: Throughout his journey, Tintin encounters various cultures and learns the significance of respecting and understanding different cultural practices and artifacts.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the importance of embracing diversity and shows them how to respect other cultures in school, with friends, or in their community.
Example Lesson: The value of honesty
Explanation: Tintin's quest is also a moral journey where honesty plays a key role. His commitment to truth and integrity guides his actions throughout the story.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to value honesty in their interactions and understand how being truthful helps build trust and strong relationships.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: Tintin frequently encounters puzzles and dilemmas that he needs to solve in order to progress in his mission. His clever and thoughtful approaches demonstrate effective problem-solving techniques.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to think critically and develop their problem-solving skills, which are essential in academic settings and everyday life.
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of adversity
Explanation: Tintin often finds himself in dangerous situations but shows immense courage to overcome fear and continue his pursuit of justice.
Real-World Application: This lesson can inspire children to face their own fears, whether it’s trying new activities, standing up against bullying, or dealing with difficult situations at home or school.