The Case of the Amazing Zelda (Book 4) (The Milo & Jazz Mysteries)
#4 of 12 in The Milo & Jazz Mysteries Series
What’s inside...
The Milo & Jazz Mysteries stars two kid detectives-in-training who use STEM problem-solving skills as they race to unravel cases and save the day! Perfect for fans of Encyclopedia Brown, Cam Jansen, and Nate the Great. In this installment, a pet psychic named the Amazing Zelda comes to town, but Milo and Jazz are skeptical of her abilities and decide to investigate. The series is designed for beginning readers transitioning to chapter books and includes Super Sleuthing activities such as hidden pictures, puzzles, mini-mysteries, quizzes, and free online activities.
Character compass
Milo Powell
Jazz
Zelda
Discussion points
What qualities make Zelda an amazing character in the story?
How did Milo and Jazz work together to solve the mystery?
What would you have done differently if you were in Milo or Jazz’s shoes?
Can you think of a time when you had to solve a problem with your friends? What happened?
What do you think is the most important lesson from this book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think critically by asking them to predict future events in the story or alternative endings.
Relate the mystery-solving theme of the book to real-life scenarios, asking your child how they would react in similar situations.
Discuss the importance of teamwork as showcased by Milo and Jazz, and ask your child about their own experiences working in a team.
Use the book’s themes to instill problem-solving skills, asking your child how they approach challenges and difficulties in their own lives.
Highlight the character traits of heroes like Milo and Jazz, and ask your child what qualities they admire in their own heroes or role models.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: Milo and Jazz demonstrate problem-solving skills as they work together to solve the mystery of Zelda the parrot.
Real-World Application: Children can apply these skills at school or in daily interactions by approaching challenges with a step-by-step method.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: The duo's collaborative efforts in solving the mystery emphasize the importance of working together and valuing each other's ideas.
Real-World Application: Kids learn to cooperate with peers in group tasks and value diverse perspectives, fostering a cooperative spirit.
Example Lesson: Critical thinking
Explanation: By analyzing clues and deducing information, Milo and Jazz showcase critical thinking throughout their investigative journey.
Real-World Application: Children can use critical thinking to make informed decisions and solve problems more effectively in their own lives.
Example Lesson: Persistence
Explanation: Facing challenges, Milo and Jazz do not give up on the puzzling case, showing resilience in pursuit of solving the mystery.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of persistence in overcoming obstacles in schoolwork or personal goals.
Example Lesson: Curiosity
Explanation: The curiosity of Milo and Jazz about the mystery surrounding Zelda drives the narrative, highlighting the value of inquisitiveness.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to be curious about the world around them, leading to enhanced learning and discovery.