Instructions
Read the information and complete the activities below. Think like a detective to solve the puzzles and explore the world of Lizzie and Lucky!
Activity 1: Book Critic's Corner
Read this short review of the book Lizzie and Lucky: The Mystery of the Missing Puppies. Then, answer the questions that follow.
Megan Rix's Lizzie and Lucky is a gripping tale perfect for young detectives. The story follows its brave protagonist, Lizzie, who is heartbroken when her dog's newborn puppies vanish overnight. With her loyal canine companion, Lucky, by her side, Lizzie must follow the clues and unravel the mystery. The plot is wonderfully suspenseful and will keep you guessing until the very end!
1. Reading Comprehension Check:
- According to the review, who is the main character of the book?
- What is the central mystery that Lizzie needs to solve?
- What word does the reviewer use to describe the plot?
2. Vocabulary Builder:
Match the bold words from the review to their correct meanings.
- Gripping _________
- Protagonist _________
- Unravel _________
- Suspenseful _________
Word Bank:
A. To solve or explain something complicated.
B. The main character in a story.
C. Causing a feeling of anxious uncertainty about what might happen.
D. Firmly holding your attention; exciting.
Activity 2: Detective's Notebook
The puppies are missing! It's time to start the investigation. Use your imagination to fill in Lizzie's detective notebook. What might she be thinking?
Case File: The Mystery of the Missing Puppies
- List two possible CLUES Lizzie might find:
- ____________________________________________________________
- ____________________________________________________________
- List two possible SUSPECTS who might be involved:
- ____________________________________________________________
- ____________________________________________________________
- What is a possible MOTIVE (reason) for someone to take the puppies?
_________________________________________________________________
Activity 3: From a Dog's Point of View
Imagine you are Lizzie's loyal dog, Lucky. Write a short diary entry about the day you discovered your puppies were gone. What did you see, hear, or smell? How did you feel? How are you going to help Lizzie?
Dear Diary,
This has been the worst day ever. When I woke up this morning, my cozy bed felt empty and cold. I sniffed the air, but all I could smell was leftover milk and Lizzie's sad tears. My puppies... they're gone! I remember hearing a strange...
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
- Lucky
Activity 4: Create a 'Missing' Poster
Lizzie needs to get the word out! Help her by designing a poster to find the puppies. In the box below, write a description of the missing puppies, where they were last seen, and a contact number (you can make one up). You can also draw the puppies!
MISSING!
Our Beloved Puppies
(Your description and drawing go here)
Answer Key
Activity 1: Book Critic's Corner
1. Reading Comprehension Check:
a. The main character (protagonist) is Lizzie.
b. Her dog's newborn puppies have vanished overnight.
c. Suspenseful.
2. Vocabulary Builder:
Gripping ___D___
Protagonist ___B___
Unravel ___A___
Suspenseful ___C___
Activity 2: Detective's Notebook
Answers will vary. Example answers are provided below.
Clues: 1. An open gate that is usually closed. 2. A strange footprint in the mud near the dog bed.
Suspects: 1. A grumpy neighbor who complains about noise. 2. A stranger who was admiring the puppies yesterday.
Motive: Someone might have taken them to sell them, or maybe they thought the puppies were not being cared for and wanted to "rescue" them.
Activity 3: From a Dog's Point of View
Answers will vary. Look for creative details from a dog's perspective, such as focusing on smells (the scent of a stranger), sounds (a rattling gate, a car engine), and feelings (worry, sadness, determination to help Lizzie).
Activity 4: Create a 'Missing' Poster
Answers will vary. The poster should include key information like a description of the puppies (e.g., "Three small, brown and white puppies"), a location ("Last seen in our garden on Oak Street"), and a made-up contact number.