The Mystery of the Missing Mum
#3 in Detective Nosegoode Series
on Goodreads (28)
What’s inside...
One day, Jake wakes up to a different world: his mum seems to have vanished into thin air! Whilst his Grandma’s snoring in the kitchen and his older sister Rose is spending hours getting ready for school, it’s down to Jake to start the search for his mum by making a list of places she might be: Tesco? The EU? Hospital? The Bahamas? Being a detective turns out to be QUITE HARD WORK and everyone Jake turns to for help seems FRUSTRATINGLY BUSY. Life at home wasn’t perfect, but he can’t understand why she would simply RUN OFF like this. And why doesn’t everyone else seem more concerned?
Discussion points
What do you think happened to the missing mum in the story?
How do you think the characters felt when they couldn't find the mum?
What would you have done if you were in the same situation as the characters?
What did you learn about helping others from this book?
Why do you think it's important to solve mysteries?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the discussion by expressing your own curiosity about the mystery in the book to pique your child's interest.
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story, validating their emotions.
Ask open-ended questions that require more than a yes or no answer to stimulate critical thinking.
Relate the story's theme to real-life situations that your child might encounter to deepen understanding.
Highlight key moments in the book to discuss decisions made by the characters and their consequences.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: In 'The Mystery of the Missing Mum', the young protagonist uses critical thinking and deductive reasoning to piece together clues.
Real-World Application: Children can apply these problem-solving techniques in real-life situations, whether in resolving conflicts with peers or tackling challenging tasks at school.
Example Lesson: The importance of collaboration
Explanation: Throughout the story, the characters learn to work together to solve the mystery, highlighting teamwork and cooperation.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of working with others to achieve common goals, useful in group projects or sports teams.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: As the characters search for the missing mum, they encounter various family dynamics and perspectives, encouraging empathy.
Real-World Application: Children learn to understand and respect different emotions and viewpoints, which helps in nurturing relationships with friends and family.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: The protagonist takes on the responsibility to find their mum, showcasing maturity and accountability.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to take responsibility for their duties, such as homework or chores, understanding their roles within their family and community.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of challenges
Explanation: Despite obstacles and setbacks in the mystery, the protagonist remains determined and resourceful, demonstrating resilience.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to persevere through their own challenges, whether academic, social, or personal, fostering a strong, resilient character.