#1 in The Three Investigators Series
The Mystery of the Coughing Dragon
on Goodreads (1,967)
What’s inside...
Three young detectives investigate a stolen dragon ring and a mysterious coughing dragon.
Discussion points
Why do you think the dragon was coughing, and how did it affect the characters in the story?
If you were a character in the book, what would you do to help solve the mystery?
What are some important clues that helped solve the mystery of the coughing dragon?
How did the characters work together to solve the mystery, and what can we learn from their teamwork?
What part of the story was the most exciting for you, and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in the story and ask what role they would play in solving the mystery.
Discuss the importance of teamwork and ask your child to think of times when they had to work with others to solve a problem.
Highlight key clues from the book and ask your child how those clues led to solving the mystery, enhancing their analytical skills.
Ask your child to predict what could happen next if the book had a sequel, bolstering their creativity and narrative skills.
Celebrate the resolution of the mystery and discuss the emotional responses of characters, connecting the story to real-life feelings and empathy.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: In 'The Mystery of the Coughing Dragon', the characters use their deductive reasoning and critical thinking to solve the mystery of the dragon. They analyze clues and think logically to understand the situation.
Real-World Application: Children can apply these problem-solving skills in real life by analyzing situations they encounter, such as resolving conflicts with friends or figuring out puzzles and challenges in school.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and cooperation
Explanation: Throughout the story, the characters work together to solve the mystery, pooling their resources and cooperating to achieve a common goal.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of working together in group settings such as in classrooms, sports teams, or family activities, highlighting that collaboration can lead to successful outcomes.
Example Lesson: Courage in facing the unknown
Explanation: The characters in the book demonstrate bravery as they investigate the mysterious coughing sounds, showing that facing fears can lead to new discoveries and solutions.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to face their own fears and uncertainties, whether it's trying out new activities, meeting new people, or tackling academic challenges.
Example Lesson: Importance of curiosity
Explanation: The protagonists' curiosity drives them to investigate and eventually solve the mystery, portraying curiosity as a valuable trait that leads to learning and growth.
Real-World Application: Children are reminded to stay curious about the world around them, ask questions, and actively seek knowledge, which is essential for their educational and personal development.