The Case of the Lost Temper

Author/Illustrator: Doug Peterson/John Trent and Greg Hardin

About the Author:

Doug Peterson has been an author since 1977.  He has written over 50 books and over 40 in the Veggie Tales series.  Peterson has also been a science writer for the University of Illinois.

Genre: Fiction/Character Education
Grade Level: K-3

Synopsis:
The Case of the Lost Temper is from the Veggie Tales series.  Bob and Larry are on a mission to find the Masked Door Slammer that has been running around town.  As they sit outside the house of Mrs. Carrot where the slamming is taking place Larry puts on a chicken costume as his disguise. Bob gets angry because people will notice him.  Larry also orders pizza, rides a skateboard etc, and Bob continues to be angry.  He is so angry that he yells at Larry and Larry tells him that he should not get angry because it wastes time.  Finally they heard the door slamming and they ran to Mrs. Carrots, it was only the wind slamming her doors! The case was closed and Bob and Larry made up. The end of the book stated this quote from Proverbs “A foolish person lets his anger run wild. But a wise person keeps himself under control.”

Pre Reading Activity:

Before reading ask the students if they know what it means for someone to lose their temper. Also ask them what might happen if someone does lose their temper.

Post Reading Activity:

After reading have the students write in a journal what the quote at the end of the books means to them and what people should do to achieve that.  “A foolish person lets his anger run wild. But a wise person keeps himself under control.”

Reflection:

I enjoyed this book because it teaches an important life lesson.  Kids very easily lose their tempers especially at school so this book is a great beginning of the year book. This will help set the tone for how to deal with anger before the students gets completely comfortable yelling and screaming at eachother.