The Great Cheese Robbery
#1 of 4 in Pocket Pirates Series
What’s inside...
In the junk shop at the end of the street is a dusty old ship in a bottle, where a tiny pirate crew comes to life when no one is watching. Despite their small size, they have a huge appetite for adventure. When the skirting-board mice kidnap Jones, the ship's cat, and demand cheese as a ransom, the Pocket Pirates must embark on a daring mission to the cold and perilous Fridge. The Pocket Pirates series follows these miniature adventurers on their epic quests, accompanied by captivating illustrations from the artist of A Boy Called Christmas.
Character compass
Daddy Elephant
Patrick
Mouse
Discussion points
Why do you think the elephants were afraid of the mice?
How did the actions of the mice affect the other characters in the story?
What do you think is the main message of 'The Great Cheese Robbery'?
If you were in the story, how would you have solved the problem with the mice?
How do you think the elephants felt at the end of the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, ask your child what they think the story might be about just by looking at the cover. This sets the stage for active engagement.
While reading, pause at intense moments to ask your child how they feel about the situation, or what they think might happen next.
After reading, relate the story to your child’s experiences by discussing a time they felt scared and how they overcame that fear.
Encourage creative thinking by asking your child to draw their favorite scene or to imagine a different ending to the story.
Reinforce the moral of the story by concrete examples from everyday life, highlighting the importance of courage and problem-solving.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of adversity
Explanation: In 'The Great Cheese Robbery', the protagonist confronts fearsome pirates who have taken over his ship, demonstrating bravery and resourcefulness.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of facing their fears and standing up for themselves, which is crucial in situations such as dealing with bullies or trying new activities.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: The protagonist uses clever strategies to reclaim the stolen cheese from the pirates, showing that intelligence and quick thinking can solve difficult problems.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to think creatively and analytically when faced with challenges, be it in their studies or daily interactions.
Example Lesson: The value of perseverance
Explanation: Despite multiple obstacles, the protagonist perseveres and eventually succeeds in his mission. His determination is a focal point throughout the story.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of persistence and not giving up easily, whether in completing a difficult task or learning a new skill.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: The protagonist, despite being wronged by the pirates, tries to understand their motives, which leads to a peaceful resolution.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to consider others' perspectives and foster empathy, which is important for building relationships and resolving conflicts.