Trouble Finds Plum!
#2 of 6 in Plumdog Series
on Goodreads (52)
What’s inside...
When raccoons invade the Athensville Zoo, it’s up to Plum and his friends to save their beloved home. From award-winning author-artist Matt Phelan, creator of Knights vs. Dinosaurs and its two sequels, Trouble Finds Plum! is the third book about a young peacock whose adventures are funny, hopeful, and always kindhearted. A hilarious, highly illustrated novel perfect for reluctant readers and animal lovers everywhere. When Plum the peacock stumbles across a raccoon asking for help finding food on a gloomy day at the zoo, he is delighted to assist his new friend. But Scratch the raccoon doesn’t stop there. More and more of Scratch’s friends arrive, and soon the zoo is overrun by rowdy and rude raccoons. Though trouble might have found Plum, Plum has a plan to save the Athensville Zoo—and make a few new friends at the same time. Award-winning author Matt Phelan has elementary school readers at the heart of each book in the Plum series. These young middle grade novels have short chapters and energetic black-and-white illustrations on almost every page, and each book tackles an emotional theme relevant and accessible to the audience. Full of heart and humor, Trouble Finds Plum! is the third novel about bighearted Plum the peacock and his adventures at the Athensville Zoo. The Plum books are ideal for fans of the Princess in Black and Mercy Watson series.
Discussion points
What do you think Plum learned in the story?
How did Plum handle the troubles that came her way? What would you do in a similar situation?
Who was Plum's biggest helper, and why do you think they chose to help her?
What does this story teach us about friendship and overcoming challenges?
How did the story make you feel when Plum faced trouble, and when she solved it?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the book by asking them to relate the story to their own experiences.
Praise your child’s responses to develop their confidence in expressing their thoughts and opinions.
Use specific instances from the book to guide the discussion, which helps in retaining their interest and deepening their understanding.
Highlight Plum’s emotions during different parts of the story and ask your child to explain how they might feel in similar situations.
After discussing the initial questions, encourage your child to ask their own questions about the story to foster curiosity and engagement.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of honesty
Explanation: In 'Trouble Finds Plum!', Plum learns the hard consequences of telling fibs which eventually leads to misunderstandings among friends. The story demonstrates how honesty can resolve conflicts and foster trust.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by being truthful in their everyday interactions, understanding that honesty builds stronger relationships and prevents unnecessary troubles.
Example Lesson: Embracing individuality
Explanation: Plum is portrayed as a unique character with distinct traits and preferences, which teaches children to appreciate their own uniqueness and the diversity of others.
Real-World Application: This story encourages children to be proud of who they are and accept others for their differences, promoting inclusivity and self-confidence in social settings.
Example Lesson: The value of perseverance
Explanation: Throughout the book, Plum faces various challenges but keeps trying until she overcomes them. This highlights the importance of perseverance in achieving goals.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to persist in their efforts, whether in their studies, sports, or personal projects, understanding that success often comes through continuous effort and resilience.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: Plum encounters problems that require creative solutions, which she manages to figure out, demonstrating effective problem-solving approaches.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children develop their critical thinking and problem-solving skills in everyday situations, encouraging them to think outside the box and handle issues constructively.
Example Lesson: The power of friendship
Explanation: Through her adventures, Plum learns the importance of supporting and relying on her friends, which underscores the value of friendships in overcoming difficulties.
Real-World Application: Children are reminded of the importance of cultivating and maintaining friendships, learning how to be supportive friends and how to seek help when they need it.