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Belly Up (FunJungle)
Last updated Saturday, July 4, 2026
Author: Stuart Gibbs
Date of Publication: 2010
ISBN: 9781416987314
Grade Level: 4th (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Jul. 2026
Synopsis:
12 year old Theodore "Teddy" Roosevelt Fitzroy has got a murder on his hands and trouble on his tail. Henry, the hippopatamus at the brand-new nationally known FunJungle, has gone belly up. Even though it's claimed he died of natural causes, Teddy smells something fishy and it sure ain't the polar bear's lunch. Dealing with the zoo's top brass proves to be nothing but a waste of time. They want to see any trace of Henry's death disappear like yesterday's paper. So Teddy sets out to find the truth. With the help of Summer McCraken, a fiesty girl with secrets of her own, the two narrow down their prime suspects. Is it Martin Del Gato, FunJungle's head of operations who hates kids and hates animals even more? Or J.J McCraken, the owner of FunJungle and and hates animals even more? Or J.J McCraken, the owner of FunJungle and Summer's father, who has more concern for the dough he's raking in than the animals in the zoo?
| Note to readers: |
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When Henry the hippopotamus, FunJungle's beloved mascot, is found dead (Belly-Up-reference the book’s cover), everyone assumes he died of natural causes. But 12-year-old Teddy Fitzroy, who lives at the wildlife park with his parents, isn't convinced. As Teddy investigates, he uncovers clues that point to murder. With the help of his friend Summer, he races to solve the mystery before the culprit strikes again. The book combines a fast-paced mystery with funny dialogue, interesting animal facts, and relatable characters. Many young readers enjoy trying to solve the mystery alongside Teddy. Read Chapter 1 and try to get to Chapter 2.
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| Discussion topics for before reading: |
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What do you think life would be like living at a wildlife park?
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What qualities make someone a good detective?
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Why is it important not to jump to conclusions before knowing all the facts?
Vocabulary
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Harass: to bother or annoy
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Mascot: an animal or character that represents a group or place
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Apprehend: to catch or arrest
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Commotion: noisy confusion or excitement
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Belly-Up: floating with the stomach facing upward, often because something has died
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Veterinarian: a doctor who treats animals
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Colossal: extremely large or great
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Investigation: a careful search for facts
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Evidence: facts or objects that help prove something
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Suspicious: causing someone to think something is wrong
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| Discussion topics for during/after reading: |
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Chapter 1:
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What do you learn about Teddy Fitzroy from the way he introduces himself?
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How does the author describe FunJungle? What details help you imagine the setting?
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Why do you think Henry the hippo is so important to FunJungle?
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What is Teddy's first reaction when he learns about Henry's death? Why is his reaction different from everyone else's?
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What clues make Teddy question the official explanation for Henry's death?
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If you were Teddy, what questions would you ask after hearing about Henry's death?
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Chapter 2:
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What additional information do you learn about Henry and FunJungle?
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Why does Teddy continue thinking about Henry's death when others seem ready to move on?
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What evidence makes Teddy believe something isn't right?
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Which characters seem trustworthy so far? Which characters make you suspicious? Explain your thinking.
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What predictions can you make about what Teddy will do next?
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If you were investigating the case, what would be your first step?
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| Craft ideas: |
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Using printed directions with photos that will be provided with the book, have the kids create a 3D animal park with construction paper.
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Detective Badge or Detective Journal; Materials: Cardstock or construction paper, safety pin or yarn, markers, and scissors. Directions: Cut out a badge shape. Write "FunJungle Detective." Add the student's last name. Decorate with a magnifying glass, paw prints, or a hippo. For the journal: fold paper in half, decorate cover and insert pages to write notes from the case. Allow students to write information from the book in their journal.
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| Special activities: |
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Do the Word Search, and the Crossword Puzzle on Chapters 1 and 2
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*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions.
You can use them, but you don't have to use them.
You can expand upon them, or add your own twist.
Remember, though, that the focus of your time should
not be on the development and execution of a craft;
the focus should be on the read-aloud and the
enjoyment of the book!
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