This Island Isn't Big Enough for the Four of Us!
Pete and Kevin Series
on Goodreads (221)
What’s inside...
Scott and Pete are camping on a deserted island, expecting to have thrilling adventures alone. However, they are surprised to find Sunny, Jill, and Jill's aunt also camping on the same island. The boys and girls engage in a series of humorous competitions, capturing each other's mishaps and trying to outdo one another. With the help of an eccentric recluse living on the island, the boys plan a final contest of wit and skill to determine the ultimate champions of Turtle Island.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
8-9
Length
151 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What would you do if you found a secret island like Pete and Andy? How would you make it your own special place?
How did Pete and Andy's relationship change when they met the twins? What does this tell us about making new friends?
What were some of the challenges the boys faced on the island and how did they solve them together?
If you were to add another character to the island adventure, who would they be and why? What role would they play?
How do you think the story would have changed if the island was actually big enough for all of them? Would they still have had the same adventures?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use the key questions to guide a reflective conversation. Encourage deep thinking by asking follow-up questions based on your child’s responses.
Connect the themes of the book to your child’s life. For instance, discuss times when your child had to share something important with others and relate it to the characters sharing the island.
Highlight the problem-solving aspects of the story. Discuss with your child different ways they might handle similar situations, fostering critical thinking.
Encourage empathy by discussing each character’s feelings and motivations throughout the book, asking your child to consider perspectives other than their own.
Suggest drawing or writing a continuation of the story together where your child imagines their own adventures on the island, which helps in creative thinking.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Cooperation and Teamwork
Explanation: The story showcases how the main characters, Pete and Scott, learn to work together with newcomers Kim and Holly to overcome challenges on the island.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by collaborating with classmates on school projects or working together during team sports, learning the value of achieving common goals through teamwork.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: Throughout the adventure, the children face various obstacles which they must solve by coming up with creative solutions.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to think critically and creatively when faced with difficulties in their daily activities or in resolving conflicts with peers.
Example Lesson: Respect for Nature
Explanation: As the children explore the island, they learn about the importance of respecting wildlife and the natural environment.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to participate in environmental conservation efforts such as recycling, planting trees, or cleaning up local parks to foster a sustainable environment.
Example Lesson: Adaptability
Explanation: The characters adjust to new challenges and changes in their plan, showing how being flexible can lead to success.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand the importance of adapting to changes, whether it's moving to a new school, adjusting to a new family dynamic, or simply dealing with changes in daily routines.
Example Lesson: Friendship and Trust
Explanation: Building trust and forming friendships are central themes as the characters must rely on each other to survive and enjoy their adventure.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of building and maintaining trustful relationships, and how true friendship can provide support and joy in their lives.