The Creepy Case Files of Margo Maloo: The Tangled Web
#3 of 3 in The Creepy Case Files of Margo Maloo Series
on Goodreads (141)
What’s inside...
In the third volume of this beloved graphic novel series, Drew Weing delivers a fresh and funny take on the age-old battle between kids and closet-dwelling monsters. As the assistant to Margo Maloo, Charles has gone on assignment in some pretty interesting locations. He's been to a vampire's lair, an ogre's den, and even a monster grocery store! But he's never been to the Downside, Echo City's underground monster metropolis that is super mysterious and DEFINITELY off-limits to kids. But a settlement of giant spiders is about to be dynamited by unwitting construction workers—and, coincidentally, one of those giant spiders 'accidentally' bites Charles. His cure and the spiders' salvation lie in the Downside—if Charles and Margo can make it in time.
Character compass
Margo Maloo
Charles Thompson
Discussion points
What do you think Margo Maloo would do if she encountered a new monster she’s never met before?
How do you feel about the way Margo handles the conflicts between monsters and kids? What would you do differently?
The city in the story is filled with hidden secrets. What kind of secret places would you like to explore in your city or town?
How do the illustrations help tell the story? Can you imagine the story without them?
If you were to create a monster friend, what qualities would they have? Why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the characters and settings. Use follow-up questions to delve deeper into their interpretations. Relate the themes of the book to your child's personal experiences to make the discussion more relevant and engaging. Highlight the importance of understanding and embracing differences, a central theme in 'The Tangled Web'. Encourage creative thinking by asking your child to imagine their own adventures within the story’s universe.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding and embracing differences
Explanation: Margo Maloo helps children navigate a world filled with both human and monster communities, teaching the importance of understanding and respecting differences.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate diverse cultures and perspectives in their own communities, fostering inclusivity and empathy.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving and conflict resolution
Explanation: Throughout the book, Margo acts as a mediator, resolving conflicts between humans and monsters, demonstrating effective problem-solving techniques.
Real-World Application: Children can apply these conflict resolution skills in school or during play, learning to find peaceful solutions in disagreements with peers.
Example Lesson: Courage in facing the unknown
Explanation: Characters often venture into mysterious parts of the city or engage with unfamiliar creatures, highlighting the value of bravery when confronting fears.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to face new challenges and experiences without fear, be it trying out a new activity or making new friends.
Example Lesson: The importance of teamwork
Explanation: Margo frequently collaborates with others to solve mysteries, showing that teamwork can lead to success even in the most daunting situations.
Real-World Application: Children are reminded of the power of cooperation and collective effort, be it in group projects at school or in family activities.
Example Lesson: Empathy and compassion
Explanation: By helping monsters in trouble, Margo models empathy and compassion, teaching kids to be considerate towards all beings.
Real-World Application: This lesson guides children in developing a caring attitude towards others, helping them build stronger and more supportive relationships.