As books arrive to their mission coordinates (i.e. your homes), I wanted to share with the grownups a bit about the content of each book and let you know what kids will learn. We have also prepared some discussion questions you can use with your kids (below), and don’t forget that there are tons of lessons based on this book in the Teacher’s Lounge. If you’ve not yet purchased the books, you can learn more about them here.
Up next: TAIWAN
As The Adventurous Mailbox is located there, writing this book and preparing the lessons was kind of special. Taiwan is a wonderful little country that many people know very little about. Through a fun adventure as Crameye races to get home in time, kids are introduced to daily life in Taiwan as well as many of its defining customs, especially the concept of saving face.
Recap of Adventure
After finally getting around to introducing himself, his family and surrounding characters, Crameye sets out on his own while his folks are shopping for things for their new apartment. Knowing he would probably do just that, his mother leaves a note for him with their building’s security guards that he has to be back home by 5:00 on the dot.
Setting out to explore his new hometown of Taipei, Crameye takes in as much as he can in his limited time. He eats new and rather strange food, he helps out a dragon boat team, and he gets invited to meet the students of an English class where he learns what life is like for kids in Taipei. Knowing his kid sister, Buster, would probably sneak out too, he checks in with her and learns she is lost at a busy flower market. With only an hour to go, he races to find her, return home, and somehow cross through a temple parade that is going in front of their building. He makes it home in time, of course. Just like he always does.
Breakdown of what kids will learn
Crameye introduces the Chinese language and how to speak the four tones of Chinese. Students will also learn about Taiwanese history, holidays, Taoism, superstitions, etiquette, ways of thinking and daily life in Taiwan. More, they will learn about tropical climates, geography, and some of the special animals there.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. Crameye starts this letter off by not being sure how to introduce himself. How do you usually introduce yourself to others? 
What kind of impression do you try to make? Do you ever say something to be cool? Is there something you always like to say?
2. Crameye has been to 27 countries. What countries do you most want to visit? What about those countries interests you?
3. What does it mean to lose face or tosave face? Is it always a good idea to help people save face?
4. If someone got lost in your city, like Crameyegot a little lost in Taipei, what do you think they would be surprised or interested to see?
