Curiosity Saved the Cat, a guest post by Tom Phillips

When I set out to write the Curious League of Detectives and Thieves, I wanted to write a story for my dyslexic twelve-year-old self. But for Tommy to have wanted to read it, the book would require a very specific list of demands. He wanted to make people laugh, so it would have to be a comedy. His attention span was brief, so the plot would have to move at a pace worthy of a carnival tilt-a-wirl. And the books needed to have a criminal mastermind who was also a monkey because, well, Tommy was an odd kid.

I didn’t expect my quest to write the zany series for kids who loved monkeys and hated reading would ever be so popular. I assumed I was weird and other kids didn’t have the same interests. The success of my books taught me two things. I wasn’t as special as I thought, and I could have been happier if I would have realized that sooner. I wrote these books for the reluctant reader, Tommy Phillips scourge of the seven libraries, but what I found was that every child feels this way, dyslexic or not. I wanted him to want to read it. It let me say all the things I wish I could have told that curious little boy. These are lessons or tips that would have made the last thirty years easier.

But I didn’t want to preach to my readers. So, I decided to create rules for being a great detective. We are three books in, with twenty-five rules. They cover topics like listening, not planning our response, and bringing extra clothes. Each rule is a comical way of giving life advice without the eye rolls and skibidi toilets.

Egypt’s Fire debut resonated with a diverse range of readers. I get letters all the time about the rules. Some readers want me to clarify, while others offer up rules of their own. Sorry, Benny, Rule #37 is not “little brothers can’t have the top bunk.” That seems more like a housing authority rule, not a detective one.

The most asked question I get is which rule is my favorite. That is hard for me to answer because my favorite rule changes depending on the situation. But Rule #29 is the most important rule. It says to reward, not condemn, curiosity.

Children possess an innate desire to explore and learn. They want to know how things work and why things happen. They also want to know what lies beyond their understanding. This curiosity is the driving force behind learning and innovation.

Adults often suppress curiosity without realizing it. Shutting down a child’s questions can have lasting effects. This can be due to impatience, lack of time, or not knowing the answer.

Worse than that, we have shifted into a country that shames our kids for asking questions. This, of course, is often a sign that someone wants to control the way our children think. They may feel threatened by a desire to understand and explore. Their views are so fragile that a clever sentence or character that doesn’t match to their ideals could destroy them. This ill-guided quest to protect our children is harming them the most. 

It’s easy to get caught up in the fear, and it’s easy to pass off lifestyles we don’t understand. But to try to block our children from being exposed to the world as it is, is setting them up for failure. Limiting our children’s exposure to outside ideas only delays their contact with them. When they finally encounter these ideas, their curiosity will have grown. But their lack of education will prevent healthy interactions. 

If you never let your child near a pool for fear they will drown, what happens when they discover the ocean? 

Discouraging questions may create a generation that accepts the status quo. We teach them to believe anything they read. If you remember one thing from my books, it should be this: before trusting the narrator, check their reliability. Warning: these claims lack concrete evidence.

Encouraging children to ask questions and seek answers is crucial. It also fosters a love of learning while building critical thinking and problem-solving skills. By supporting their curiosity, helping them learn about the world. We cultivate autonomous thought and analytical reasoning in them. 

As children grow, their curiosity can also keep them safe. A curious child will question things that seem wrong. They will seek information when needed and be more aware of their surroundings. This inquisitiveness can be a powerful tool in navigating the complexities of life.

This is why kids gravitate toward middle-grade mysteries. These stories build on questions and the search for answers. Every clue, every twist, and every reveal fuels a child’s natural curiosity. Mysteries prompt careful analysis and puzzle solving, mirroring real-life problem tackling. It’s no wonder that The Curious League of Detectives and Thieves captivates kids. The characters’ curiosity drives them to imagine themselves in those roles. 

Unfortunately, removing books from the shelves harms our children’s development. Deprived of curious stories, children seek answers elsewhere. They often turn to less reliable or constructive sources.

Removing books limits access to diverse ideas that shape our worldview. It suggests that some questions are off-limits. This stifles the curiosity we should nurture.

Fostering a child’s curiosity is one of the most important roles a parent or guardian can play. By encouraging questions and exploration, we empower our children. They will navigate the world with confidence and independence. So, next time your child asks, “Why?” take a moment to explore the answer together. You might learn something new yourself.

Remember, curiosity is the spark that ignites the fire of learning. Let’s keep that fire burning bright for our children. Let’s give them access to books that will guide, inspire, and teach them to question the world. Taking books off the shelves does more than limit options—it limits potential. 

As Always, be kind, be courageous, but most of all be Curious. 

Meet the author

Tom Phillips grew up with a passion for storytelling. He’s also the author of Egypt’s Fire and S.O.S. He’s had a long career a writer and artist for clients such as LeVar Burton Kids, HBO, Disney, and ABC. An armchair Sherlockian, Tom lives in Los Angeles with his lovely wife and his dog, Dr. Watson.

Visit Tom online at TomPhillipsWriter.com.

Twitter and Instagram: @tphillipswriter

Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook – @PixelandInkBks

About The Curious League of Detectives and Thieves 3: The Peruvian Express

All aboard for a high-speed new case in the third installment of this middle grade mystery series for fans of A Series of Unfortunate Events and Enola Holmes.

Stranded on a mountain in Peru after the crash of a luxury airship, John Boarhog has only one mission on his mind: reuniting with his mentor and guardian, Inspector Toadius McGee. John’s convinced that if he makes his way to a plume of smoke in the distance, the great detective will be waiting. The only problem is there’s a whole rainforest between them.

After battling their way through the Amazon, John and his friends find a train—The Peruvian Express—and its glittering owner, Oro Del Rey, the Golden King, who offers them passage as they continue to search for their loved ones.

Soon John’s investigation goes off the rails when he’s asked to help to locate an infamous Object of Doom. But he’s not the only one on the hunt. . . .

The third book in The Curious League of Detectives and Thieves, The Peruvian Express is a hilarious, fast-paced mystery packed with action, wit, and another unforgettable adventure.

ISBN-13: 9781645952374
Publisher: Pixel + Ink
Publication date: 08/13/2024
Age Range: 8 – 12 Years

Filed under: Guest Post