10. What does Precious do that saves Tom’s life? How does Tom show his gratitude?
11. Why does Precious think Teddy should be left in the wild? Discuss Aunty Bee’s comment: “It’s always better to speak the things that are in your heart.” (this page)
12. Why does Tom accept what Precious tells him? How do they know they made the right decision to let Teddy go back to the wild?
1. Geography:
The story takes place in a particular part of Botswana—the Okavango Delta. Look up the meaning of the word “delta.” What can you learn about this area that is unique and special? How is the Okavango Delta different from other parts of Botswana?
http://www.botswanatourism.co.bw/welcome-botswana
2. Science/Biology—The Animal Kingdom:
Look up information about the indigenous animals in the Okavango Delta region of Botswana. Discuss how the animals in this area live and interact with the environment.
http://www.okavangodeltasafaris.com/wildlife.html
Look up information about the lions of Botswana. What can you learn about this animal that is not included in the story? Compare what you learn from researching the lions in factual sources to what you can learn about them from the story.
http://okavango-delta.botswana.co.za/lions-okavango.html
3. Language Arts:
Write a description of your favorite character in the book. What questions would you like to ask this character about his or her life in Botswana?
Rewrite the story from the point of view of Teddy, the lion, or write another chapter for the story about Teddy adapting to his new life in the wilderness.
4. Social Studies:
In an interview with his publisher, the author, Alexander McCall Smith, says this:
“I very much hope that American readers will get a glimpse of the remarkable qualities of Botswana. It is a very special country and I think that it particularly chimes with many of the values which Americans feel very strongly about—rule of law and for individual freedom. I hope that readers will also see in these portrayals of Botswana some of the great traditional virtues in Africa—in particular, courtesy and a striking natural dignity.”
What have you learned about the country of Botswana and its people from reading this book? How is the countryside in Botswana different from where you live? Describe the safari camp and the job that Aunty Bee has at the camp. What other jobs would there be for people who work at the camp?
Discussion Guide prepared by Connie Rockman, Youth Literature Consultant and adjunct professor of children’s and young adult literature.
PRECIOUS RAMOTSWE MYSTERIES FOR YOUNG READERS
* * *
When a piece of cake goes missing from Precious Ramotswe’s classroom, a traditionally built young boy is tagged as the culprit. Precious, however, is not convinced. She sets out to find the real thief. Along the way she learns that your first guess isn’t always right. She also learns how to be a detective.
Precious has a new mystery to solve! When her friend’s family’s most valßuable cow vanishes, Precious must devise a plan to find the missing animal. But she needs the help of the family’s pet meerkat to solve the case. Will she succeed and what obstacles will she face on her path?
Precious gets a very special treat: A trip to visit her Aunty Bee at a safari camp. On her first day there, a new lion arrives. But this is no average lion: Teddy is an actor-lion who came with a film crew. When Teddy escapes, Precious and her resourceful new friend Khumo decide to use their detective skills and help track down the lion and find out where he has gone.
Illustration © Iain McIntosh
Precious Ramotswe mysteries
for adults. Read them all.
“There is no end to the pleasure.”
—The New York Times Book Review
The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency—Volume 1
Tears of the Giraffe—Volume 2
Morality for Beautiful Girls—Volume 3
The Kalahari Typing School for Men—Volume 4
The Full Cupboard of Life—Volume 5
In the Company of Cheerful Ladies—Volume 6
Blue Shoes and Happiness —Volume 7
The Good Husband of Zebra Drive—Volume 8
The Miracle at Speedy Motors—Volume 9
Tea Time for the Traditionally Built—Volume 10
The Double Comfort Safari Club—Volume 11
The Saturday Big Tent Wedding Party—Volume 12
The Limpopo Academy of Private Detection—Volume 13
The Minor Adjustment Beauty Salon—Volume 14
The Handsome Man’s De Luxe Café—Volume 15
VISIT THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF
Alexander McCall Smith
• AlexanderMcCallSmith.com
Join the official Alexander McCall Smith Fan Club to receive e-mail updates on author events and book releases. Click on “Newsletter” on the home page to register!
• facebook.com/AlexanderMcCallSmith
• twitter.com/mccallsmith
Available wherever books and eBooks are sold
Alexander McCall Smith, The Mystery of the Missing Lion
(Series: # )
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