The Cursed Ranch (Lucky Luke, 62) (Volume 62)
#58 in A Lucky Luke adventure Series
What’s inside...
When oil suddenly gushes from the ground in Whitney, it makes prospectors very happy, but not the inhabitants, for a pestilential smell soon covers the small town. Abandoning her home, Whitney's elder Miss Bluemarket moves to Smithville with her three pets - three adult buffaloes. Her search for a new home makes her easy prey for unscrupulous estate agents, and soon she finds herself owning a property whose mere name has the locals shaking in their boots: the Bates ranch.
Character compass
Lucky Luke
Discussion points
What do you think makes the ranch cursed, and how would you try to lift the curse if you were in the story?
How do the characters in the book show courage and teamwork? Can you share a time when you had to be brave with your friends?
Lucky Luke often faces challenges. What's a challenge you've faced and how did you overcome it?
If you could have a chat with any character from the book, who would it be and what would you ask them?
How do you think the story would change if it was set in today’s world?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine alternative scenarios or endings for the story to foster creative thinking.
Discuss the moral decisions characters make in the book to help your child understand ethical dilemmas and personal values.
Relate the challenges faced by Lucky Luke and other characters to real-life situations your child may encounter to enhance their problem-solving skills.
Ask your child to draw their favorite scene or character, then describe why they made that choice, promoting artistic expression alongside comprehension.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of perseverance
Explanation: Throughout the book, Lucky Luke demonstrates perseverance as he faces challenges on the ranch, consistently finding solutions to seemingly insurmountable problems.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by tackling their difficulties with a persistent attitude, whether it's solving a complex puzzle or learning a new skill.
Example Lesson: Value of quick thinking and resourcefulness
Explanation: Lucky Luke often uses his wits and resources around him to deal with dangerous situations and conflicts.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to use their imagination and available resources to solve problems creatively in their daily activities.
Example Lesson: The significance of justice
Explanation: The protagonist, Lucky Luke, stands up for what is right and ensures that justice is served in the community, reinforcing the importance of fairness.
Real-World Application: This can teach children the importance of being fair and standing up for what is right, both in their playtime and in their interactions with others.
Example Lesson: Building friendships
Explanation: Lucky Luke shows the importance of building trust and camaraderie with others, despite initial misunderstandings or conflicts.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of friendship and how to cultivate positive relationships with their peers, helping them develop strong social skills.
Example Lesson: Learning from mistakes
Explanation: Characters in the story occasionally make errors, but the key takeaway is their growth from these experiences.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children that mistakes are opportunities for growth and learning, encouraging them to embrace challenges and learn from their errors.