The Mystery of Meerkat Hill Read online

  12. Describe the talk around the fire at Teb and Pontsho’s home that night. How has Precious made a difference in their lives? How have they made a difference in her life?

  1. Geography:

  Learn about the country of Botswana–People, food, plants, and animals. What can you learn about Botswana that helps you understand the setting of the story? http://www.kidcyber.com.au/topics/afribotswana.htm

  2. Science/Biology–The Meerkat:

  Look up information about the meerkat. What can you learn about this animal that is not included in the story? Compare what you learn from researching the meerkat in factual sources to what you can learn about them from the story. http://www.fellowearthlings.org/info.html

  Learn about other animals mentioned in the story and their importance in Botswana–the ostrich, the cobra. Why are cows so important to the people in Botswana?

  http://education.nationalgeographic.com/education/media/meetmeerkats

  3. Language Arts:

  Storytelling is an important part of the culture in this book. Discuss how telling stories helps the characters in the book understand their families and the world around them.

  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?

  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—respect for the 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?

  Discussion Guide prepared by Connie Rockman, Youth Literature Consultant.

  Be sure to have a grown-up help you make these delicious Fat Cakes.

  Fat Cakes (makes 16):

  3 cups of cake flour

  1 tsp salt

  1 ½ tsp active dry yeast

  2 tbs sugar

  1 ½ cups warm water

  Vegetable oil to fry

  Mix all ingredients well and allow to rise for 30 minutes in a warm place. Divide dough into 16 doughnut-size pieces and deep fry until golden-brown.

  Recipe © Stuart Brown and Alexander McCall Smith, 2009. (Published by Polygon, an imprint of Birlinn Ltd)

  THE FIRST BOOK IN THE PRECIOUS RAMOTSWE MYSTERY SERIES FOR YOUNG READERS

  * * *

  “A detective is born! Lucky young readers will now be able to make the acquaintance of the one and only Precious—Alexander McCall Smith’s beguiling and intrepid Botswanian sleuth, as she takes on her very first case.”

  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

  VISIT THE

  Alexander McCall Smith

  WEBSITE!

  www.ALEXANDERMCCALLSMITH.COM

  Discover even more about the author and the books you love:

  • Meet the Author: Check the events schedule to find out when he’ll be in a city near you

  • Watch videos and listen to audiobook excerpts

  • Read the Botswana trip diary and see the editor’s photos

  • Ask Precious your own questions

  • Print free reading guides for your reading group

  • Read the No. 1 Ladies’ Q & A and Frequently Asked Questions

  • And Much More!

  Find Alexander McCall Smith at Facebook.com/AlexanderMcCallSmith Follow Alexander McCall Smith at twitter.com/McCallSmith

  Are you a member?

  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!

  Available wherever books and eBooks are sold, or visit www.alexandermccallsmith.com