What This Book Is About
Twelve-year-old Teddy Fitzroy lives in FunJungle, a massive state-of-the-art zoo and theme park in the heart of Texas. His mom is the park's head primatologist, which means Teddy has basically grown up surrounded by animals. It's a dream life until one morning when Henry the Hippo, FunJungle's most beloved mascot, is found dead. The official cause: natural causes. But Teddy knows something is off. Henry was perfectly healthy, and the timeline doesn't add up.
When Teddy starts investigating, he discovers that FunJungle is hiding some very ugly secrets. Someone killed Henry on purpose, and the deeper Teddy digs, the more enemies he makes. From the park's shady billionaire owner to the incompetent head of security who'd rather silence Teddy than solve the crime, everyone seems determined to shut him up. Compared to Stuart Gibbs's Spy School series, Belly Up trades spy gadgets for animal facts, delivering the same page-turning pace and laugh-out-loud humor. The first book in the FunJungle series, it's perfect for readers who love animals and mysteries in equal measure.
Available at Popular bookstores, Kinokuniya, and the Singapore National Library.
Why UWC Chose This Book
Belly Up develops critical thinking through a mystery format that Grade 4 students find irresistible. Teddy must gather evidence, evaluate conflicting accounts, and challenge authority figures who insist everything is fine. These are exactly the inquiry skills UWC's curriculum aims to build, wrapped in a story so entertaining that students don't realize they're practicing analytical reading.
The book also introduces real themes of environmental ethics and animal welfare. Students living in Singapore, home to world-class institutions like the Singapore Zoo and Night Safari, can connect directly with questions about how humans should treat the animals in their care. With six sequels in the FunJungle series, one successful read creates months of voluntary reading momentum.
Reading Level Guide
Too challenging at A1. The mystery plot requires tracking clues across chapters. Try Dog Man or Diary of a Wimpy Kid first.
The sweet spot. Clear dialogue and short chapters keep the pace fast, while the mystery keeps you guessing.
A comfortable, fun read at B2. Great for pleasure reading. Try Pax or The Boy at the Back of the Class for more depth.
Other UWC Recommended Books for This Grade
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