The Not-So Secret Society: Tale of the Gummy (1)
#1 of 1 in The Not-So Secret Society Series
What’s inside...
Madison, Ava, Emma, Aidan, and Dylan are twelve-year-olds who lead seemingly normal lives, attending school and taking part in extracurricular activities. However, they are also members of The Not-So Secret Society, having remarkable science adventures. One of their inventions, a candy-making machine for their school's science fair, malfunctions, resulting in a candy creation that comes to life and escapes. As Halloween approaches, the situation becomes both scarier and more exciting. The story, created by writers Matthew Daley and Arlene Daley, along with Trevor and Ellen Crafts, and illustrated by Wook Jin Clark, emphasizes the importance of teamwork and lasting friendships.
Character compass
Madison
Ava
Aidan
Emma
Dylan
Discussion points
What would you do if you discovered a secret society like the kids in the book?
How did the characters work together to solve problems, and what can we learn from that?
If you could create a magical invention, what would it be and why?
How does the story show the importance of friendship and teamwork?
How do you think the story would change if you were one of the characters?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts freely without fear of judgement. Use prompts from the story to explore real-life applications of teamwork and creativity. Relate personal stories or experiences that connect with themes from the book to deepen their understanding and make the conversation more relatable. Highlight the importance of each character's role in the story, prompting your child to think about their unique strengths and how they can contribute to group settings.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and collaboration
Explanation: The characters in 'The Not-So Secret Society: Tale of the Gummy' work together to solve problems, emphasizing the importance of cooperation among friends.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by engaging in collaborative activities at school or in play, learning to value each other's input and working together towards common goals.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: Throughout the story, the characters encounter various challenges which they must overcome using creative problem-solving skills.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to think critically and creatively when faced with obstacles in their own lives, whether it's resolving conflicts with peers or tackling difficult school assignments.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: The young protagonists take responsibility for their actions and the situation they find themselves in, learning to deal with the consequences in a mature way.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of taking ownership of their actions, understanding that their choices have effects on themselves and others around them.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and learning
Explanation: The characters’ adventure is driven by their curiosity and desire to learn more about the world around them.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to be inquisitive and embrace learning opportunities in everyday life, enhancing their educational development and critical thinking skills.
Example Lesson: Friendship
Explanation: Strong bonds of friendship are highlighted, showing how friends support and look out for each other during difficult times.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the value of building and maintaining positive relationships, and the importance of being a supportive friend in their own social circles.