The Vanishing of Billy Buckle (The Fairy Detective Agency Book 3)
#3 in Wings & Co Series
on Goodreads (233)
What’s inside...
Spot on the Fishcake! The famous fairy detective agency, Wings & Co, has a big problem. There's the missing giant, Billy Buckle, who has vanished without a trace, and left his giant daughter with the detectives. There's a surprise visit to the seaside, which uncovers a murder and a stolen diamond. And then there's the tricky business of the TV talent show. Squat on a squid, this is Emily, Buster and Fidget's most complicated case yet. The third book in this fairy detective series brimming with mystery and magic by million-copy-selling author Sally Gardner, and illustrated by bestselling artist, David Roberts. The Wings & Co detectives are in Puddliepool-on-Sea. The giant Billy Buckle is missing. His daughter Primrose is desperate to find him - and so are the detectives, because Primrose is growing bigger every day and living with a giant isn't half as fun as it sounds. There's also a murdered pianist and a vanished fortune-teller to deal with. It's up to Emily, Fidget and Buster to get to the bottom of it!
Discussion points
What do you think made Billy Buckle disappear? How did the other characters feel about it?
If you were a character in the book, what magical ability would you like to have and why?
What lessons can we learn from the way the characters in the story worked together?
How do you think the story would change if it took place in our town?
Which character did you relate to the most and what would you have done differently in their situation?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in the magical world of the Fairy Detective Agency. Ask them to describe what they see, feel, and hear. This not only deepens their comprehension but fosters creative thinking. Discuss the moral challenges characters face, relating them to real-life situations your child might encounter. This helps them apply the story's lessons in their own life. Lastly, celebrate their responses and predictions, reinforcing their confidence and interest in reading.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Collaboration
Explanation: Throughout 'The Vanishing of Billy Buckle,' characters must work together to solve the mystery of Billy's disappearance. This collaboration is crucial to their success.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by working together with peers on group projects or in team sports, learning that cooperation can lead to achieving common goals.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: The protagonists use critical thinking and problem-solving skills to follow clues and solve puzzles. These skills are central to progressing the story.
Real-World Application: Kids can use problem-solving skills in their daily life when facing challenges at school or in personal tasks, learning to think critically about solutions.
Example Lesson: Courage in the Face of Fear
Explanation: Characters often face fearful situations but must find the courage to overcome these fears to protect their friends and solve the mystery.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to face their own fears and understand that being brave is sometimes necessary to overcome obstacles.
Example Lesson: Importance of Honesty
Explanation: Throughout the story, honesty plays a critical role in building trust among characters, and the consequences of dishonesty are shown.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of being truthful in their interactions, which fosters trust and builds strong relationships.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: Characters in the book often empathize with others' situations, which helps in resolving conflicts and understanding different perspectives.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to practice empathy in real life, helping them to connect with others and appreciate diverse perspectives.