Monkey Mystery Worksheet Junior Detective Agency Case File #04 • Zoo Mystery Division
Name:
Date:
Score: / 10
"CLICK!" Photographic Memory Challenge
Cam Jansen & the Mystery at the Monkey House
Chapter 3 & 4 Reading Comprehension • Detective Clue Dossier
Chapter Focus Ch. 3 & 4
Detective Instructions: Read each question carefully and use your sharp reader eyes to find text clues from Chapter 3. Answer in complete sentences where indicated!
Part 1
Chapter 3 Clue Spotting (Multiple Choice)
What sound does Cam say out loud when she wants her memory to take a "photograph"?
A "Snap!"
B "Flash!"
C "Click!"
D "Zoom!"
Why are Cam and Eric investigating at the monkey house at the zoo?
A Monkeys have been mysteriously stolen from their cages.
B They are doing a school science project on chimpanzees.
C The zookeeper lost the key to the monkey house front door.
D A mischievous monkey snatched Cam's red jacket.
Part 2
Chapter 3 Detective Notebook (Short Answer)
Explain how Cam's photographic memory works. What does she do with her eyes, and why is her nickname "Cam"?
In Chapter 3, what details does Cam try to remember about the people near the monkey house? Why is noticing small details important in a mystery?
Cam's Detective Tip: "Look once, look twice, and say CLICK to store clues in your brain!"
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Cam Jansen Dossier Chapter 4 Investigation & Clue Match
Student Name:
Part 3
Chapter 4 Suspects & Tracking (Multiple Choice)
How does Eric help Cam while she has her eyes closed reviewing her mental pictures?
A He asks specific questions to guide what she looks for.
B He wanders off alone into the reptile exhibit.
C He calls the zoo director on a payphone immediately.
D He draws a map of the zoo monkey cages.
What suspicious behavior makes someone stand out to the detectives at the zoo?
A Taking pictures of the zoo entrance flower garden.
B Carrying heavy, bulky items away from the animal cages.
C Eating lunch peacefully on the picnic tables.
D Checking the scheduled feeding times on the map.
Part 4
Chapter 4 Detective Thinking (Short Answer)
Why is teamwork important between Cam and Eric? Describe one specific way Eric supports Cam during their investigation.
Detective Prediction: Based on the clues in Chapters 3 and 4, where do you think the detectives should search next? Give a reason from the text.
Bonus
Mystery Vocabulary Match-Up
Write the correct letter (A–D) in each bracket
Word Bank:
A. Photographic Memory
B. Suspect
C. Text Evidence
D. Clue
[ ] A piece of information or object that helps solve a mystery.
[ ] The ability to recall past scenes with high visual detail like a photo.
[ ] A person who police or detectives believe may have committed a crime.
[ ] Specific facts and quotes from the book that prove your answer.
✓ Case Dossier Verified • Cam Jansen Detective Club Official Resource
Page 2 of 2
Monkey Clue Question Cards Literacy Center Task Cards • Cut Along Dashed Lines
Set A • Chapter 3 Focus
Card 01 • Chapter 3
The "CLICK!" Memory Trick
In Chapter 3, Cam uses her photographic memory. Describe step-by-step what Cam does with her eyes, face, and voice when she needs to remember something.
Partner Discussion Prompt:
"Why do you think David A. Adler gave Cam this special ability instead of making her a regular detective?"
Cam Jansen Mystery Series Reading Strategy: Character Traits
Card 02 • Chapter 3
The Monkey House Scene
Describe the setting of the monkey house in Chapter 3. What sights, sounds, or crowds do Cam and Eric observe around the animal enclosures?
Text Evidence Question:
"Find one sentence in Chapter 3 that describes what the monkey cage looks like or how the monkeys are behaving."
Cam Jansen Mystery Series Reading Strategy: Setting Details
Card 03 • Chapter 3
The Missing Clues
Why is the disappearance of the monkeys so baffling to the zoo staff? What makes Cam and Eric realize this is not an accident?
Detective Logic:
"Could a monkey have unlocked the door itself? Explain why or why not based on what the story tells us."
Cam Jansen Mystery Series Reading Strategy: Cause & Effect
Card 04 • Detective Game
The "Click!" Partner Challenge
Test your own photographic memory! Look at your partner or the classroom for 10 seconds. Say "CLICK!" and close your eyes.
Memory Quiz:
"Partner: Ask 3 questions about what you are wearing (e.g., shoe color, shirt design). Can your partner get all 3 right?"
Cam Jansen Mystery Series Skill: Observation & Recall
✂ Card Set 1 (Cards 1–4) • Print on cardstock or laminate for reuse
Literacy Center Task Cards • Cut Along Dashed Lines
Set B • Chapter 4 Focus
Card 05 • Chapter 4
Tracking the Suspect
In Chapter 4, Cam and Eric begin following clues around the zoo. What suspicious person or action catches their attention?
Text Clue Spotter:
"What object was the suspect carrying, or what direction were they heading? Check Chapter 4 for proof!"
Cam Jansen Mystery Series Reading Strategy: Plot Sequencing
Card 06 • Chapter 4
Eric: The Super Partner
Cam has the photographic memory, but how does Eric contribute to solving the mystery in Chapter 4?
Character Comparison:
"Name two ways Eric supports Cam when she has her eyes closed or needs to check details."
Monkey Mystery Answer Key Teacher Reference Guide Master Solution Key & Instructional Notes
Official Educator Key
Cam Jansen & the Mystery at the Monkey House
Chapters 3 & 4 Comprehension Master Key
Target Grades: 2–4
Quick Check
Multiple Choice & Matching Solutions
Question 1 C "Click!" sound
Question 2 A Monkeys stolen
Question 5 A Asks guiding questions
Question 6 B Heavy/bulky items
Part 5 Matching: [ D ] Clue [ A ] Photographic Memory [ B ] Suspect [ C ] Text Evidence
Exemplars
Short Answer Model Responses & Scoring Guidance
Q3: Cam's Photographic Memory Explanation 2 Points Possible
Model Student Response: Cam looks intently at what she wants to remember, closes her eyes, and says "Click!" like a camera shutter. Her real name is Jennifer, but she is nicknamed "Cam" because her brain records images like a camera.
✓ Criteria: Mentions saying "Click!", closing eyes, and connecting her nickname to a camera.
Q4: Observing Details in Chapter 3 2 Points Possible
Model Student Response: Cam tries to recall who was standing by the cages, what clothes they wore, and what bags or containers they held. Paying attention to small details is crucial because thieves often carry tools or disguise stolen items.
✓ Criteria: Identifies specific crowd details (clothing, bags) and explains how clues eliminate or identify suspects.
Q7: Teamwork Between Cam and Eric 2 Points Possible
Model Student Response: Cam cannot solve mysteries alone because when she closes her eyes to look at her mental picture, she cannot see what is currently happening. Eric guides her by asking specific questions, writing notes, and keeping watch.
✓ Criteria: Explains mutual cooperation and gives a concrete example of Eric's support.
Q8: Detective Prediction for Next Steps 2 Points Possible
Acceptable Student Variations: Students may suggest searching near zoo exits, the parking lot, suspicious vehicles, or checking who bought tickets or carried crates. Accept any logical response supported by Chapter 4 events.
✓ Criteria: Logical deduction tied to text evidence from Chapters 3–4.
Common Student Misconceptions & Reading Strategy Tips
Misconception: Students often think Cam's memory is magic. Explain that photographic memory (eidetic memory) is a real cognitive ability, but Cam still has to practice observing intentionally.
Monkey House Search Activity Cam Jansen Detective Training Visual Observation Challenge • Zoo Division
Say "CLICK!" & Spot the Clues
The Mystery at the Monkey House
The Great Monkey House Look & Find
Examine the zoo scene closely! Record the items you discover on your Evidence Sheet.
Total Clues 25+ Items
Zoo Enclosure #3 • Monkey House & Care Station
Monkey Treehouse & Ropes Zone A
🐵 Spider Monkey
🍌 Banana Bunch
Tire Swing
🥥 Coconut Shell
Climbing Rope
🦜 Zoo Parrot
"Look closely at branches and rope knots!"
Zookeeper's Supply Cart Zone B
Brass Zoo Key
🥜 Peanut Sack
🍎 Bucket of Apples
Daily Logbook
Walkie-Talkie
Flashlight
"Check behind buckets and radio antenna!"
Visitor Walkway & Benches Zone C
Magnifying Lens
Cam's Camera
Sunglasses
Lost Backpack
Folded Zoo Map
Striped Umbrella
"Did a visitor leave something under the bench?"
Evidence & Security Gate Zone D
Broken Padlock
Muddy Footprint
Wooden Crate
Clue Envelope
Zoo Ticket Stub
Alarm Bell
"Look for clues that don't belong in the zoo!"
Sample Clues to Spot:
🔍 Magnifying Lens • 🍌 Banana Bunch • 🗝️ Brass Key • 📻 Walkie-Talkie • 👣 Footprints
Next Step: Turn to your separate Evidence Log Sheet to write down each object you discovered!
Page 1 • Scene
Evidence Log Writing Handout Cam Jansen Detective Agency Official Evidence Catalog • Case File #04
Name:
Date:
Look & Find Companion Sheet
Detective Evidence Log: Monkey House Search
Record every clue and object you spotted on your Look & Find sheet below!
Goal 20 Objects
Instructions: Look at your Monkey House Search picture. Write the name of each object you see on the numbered lines below. Practice neat handwriting and spelling!
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
Bonus Challenge
Detective Clue Classification
Sort items from your list above
Zoo Food & Snacks:
Detective Gear:
Suspicious Clues:
✓ Inspector Verification:
Page 2 • Evidence Log
Pursuit Clues Worksheet Junior Detective Agency Case File #05 • Parking Lot Pursuit Division
Name:
Date:
Score: / 10
"CLICK!" Vehicle Tracking Mission
Cam Jansen & the Mystery at the Monkey House
Chapter 5 & 6 Reading Comprehension • Parking Lot Pursuit
Chapter Focus Ch. 5 & 6
Detective Instructions: Follow the clues from Chapter 5 into the zoo parking lot! Answer the questions below using text evidence and write in complete sentences for short answers.
Part 1
Chapter 5 Trail Tracking (Multiple Choice)
Where do Cam and Eric hurry toward when they leave the monkey house area in Chapter 5?
A The zoo gift shop to buy stuffed monkeys.
B The parking lot where visitors park their cars.
C The cafeteria to get lunch before searching.
D The train station outside the city limits.
What does Cam do right before the suspicious car pulls away?
A She stares at the car and says "CLICK!" to photograph it.
B She stands directly in front of the car bumper to block it.
C She asks the driver if they have seen any monkeys.
D She drops her camera onto the pavement.
Part 2
Chapter 5 Detective Notebook (Short Answer)
Why was it urgent for Cam to take a mental picture of the car at that exact second? What would have happened if she blinked or looked away?
In Chapter 5, what suspicious items or behavior do Cam and Eric notice near the vehicle that make them think the monkeys are inside?
Cam's Detective Tip: "Fast-moving cars don't wait! A detective must be quick to capture evidence!"
Page 1 of 2
Cam Jansen Dossier Chapter 6 Investigation & License Plate Clue Log
Student Name:
Part 3
Chapter 6 Reporting Evidence (Multiple Choice)
What does Eric do while Cam closes her eyes and recites the license plate numbers?
A He writes down every number and letter in his notebook.
B He chases after the speeding car on foot.
C He takes a photograph with an actual camera.
D He guesses the numbers that rhyme with "Click".
How does the zoo security guard first react when the children report what they saw?
A He sounds the alarm and closes all the zoo gates instantly.
B He doubts Cam and finds it hard to believe a kid memorized it.
Pursuit Clues Question Cards Literacy Center Task Cards • Cut Along Dashed Lines
Set C • Chapter 5 Focus
Card 09 • Chapter 5
The Parking Lot Pursuit
Why do Cam and Eric leave the safety of the zoo pathways and rush into the parking lot in Chapter 5? What clues were they trailing?
Setting Analysis:
"How does the setting change from the crowded zoo walkway to the busy parking lot? Why does this make tracking harder?"
Cam Jansen Mystery Series Reading Strategy: Plot Progression
Card 10 • Chapter 5
The Getaway Vehicle
In Chapter 5, what specific details about the suspect's car does Cam notice before it starts moving away?
Text Evidence Hunt:
"Find two adjectives the author uses to describe the car or what was loaded into the back."
Cam Jansen Mystery Series Reading Strategy: Key Details
Card 11 • Chapter 5
The Split-Second "CLICK!"
Why does Cam need absolute concentration when she says "CLICK!" at the moving vehicle? How would you feel in her position?
Partner Discussion:
"If Cam did not have her photographic memory, what other tool could modern kids use to capture a license plate quickly?"
Cam Jansen Mystery Series Reading Strategy: Character Empathy
Card 12 • Detective Game
License Plate Code Recall
Write a 6-digit license plate code on a slip of scrap paper (like 7B2-9M4). Show your partner for 5 seconds, then hide it!
Say "CLICK!":
"Can your partner recite the numbers and letters in the exact order? Try backwards for a bonus challenge!"
Cam Jansen Mystery Series Skill: Working Memory & Focus
✂ Card Set 3 (Cards 9–12) • Print on cardstock or laminate for reuse
Literacy Center Task Cards • Cut Along Dashed Lines
Set D • Chapter 6 Focus
Card 13 • Chapter 6
Eric's Quick Pencil
In Chapter 6, Eric writes down the license plate as Cam recites it. Why is it dangerous to rely ONLY on memory without writing down clues?
Critical Thinking:
"What could cause someone to lose their mental picture? How does Eric's notebook protect the investigation?"
Cam Jansen Mystery Series Reading Strategy: Cause & Effect
Card 14 • Chapter 6
Facing the Skeptical Guard
Why is the zoo security guard reluctant to believe two children who claim they memorized a getaway car's license plate?
Point of View Prompt:
"Put yourself in the security guard's shoes. Would you believe a 5th grader claiming to have a camera brain? Why or why not?"
Pursuit Clues Answer Key Teacher Reference Guide Master Solution Key & Instructional Notes
Official Educator Key
Cam Jansen & the Mystery at the Monkey House
Chapters 5 & 6 Comprehension Master Key
Target Grades: 2–4
Quick Check
Multiple Choice Solutions
Question 1 B Zoo parking lot
Question 2 A Says "CLICK!"
Question 5 A Writes in notebook
Question 6 B Doubts the children
Part 5 Vehicle Log Guidance: Accept state license plate letters/numbers identified by students from text (e.g., blue station wagon / sedan, heavy bundles, boxes loaded into trunk).
Exemplars
Short Answer Model Responses & Scoring Guidance
Q3: Urgency of Cam's Mental Snapshot 2 Points Possible
Model Student Response: The car was already beginning to move away into traffic. If Cam blinked or hesitated, the vehicle would have driven around the corner and the license plate would be lost forever, leaving no trail to find the monkeys.
✓ Criteria: Explains vehicle motion and why speed/timing was essential to preserve the clue.
Q4: Suspicious Items & Behavior Near Vehicle 2 Points Possible
Model Student Response: The suspects were rushing, acting secretive, and loading heavy, bulky containers or wrapped bags into the trunk/back seat of the car. Their nervous hurry signaled that stolen animals were being hidden inside.
✓ Criteria: Identifies specific behavior (nervous, hurrying) and cargo (heavy boxes/bags loaded quickly).
Q7: Cam Proving Her Memory to Adults 2 Points Possible
Model Student Response: Cam demonstrates her photographic memory on the spot by looking at the adult or their badge/clothing, saying "Click!", closing her eyes, and reciting fine details or words backward that nobody could easily guess.
✓ Criteria: Cites the live demonstration (closing eyes, exact recall) that convinces the skeptical adult.
Q8: The Importance of Eric's Notebook 2 Points Possible
Model Student Response: Memory alone can be questioned by police, or details can get scrambled during an exciting chase. When Eric records the license plate immediately, it creates permanent physical proof that can be handed to police dispatchers.
✓ Criteria: Explains permanent documentation vs. fleeting memory and highlights teamwork.
Instructional Focus: Critical Detective Thinking in Chapters 5 & 6
Key Theme: Credibility & Evidence: Discuss with students why adults might doubt children in mystery stories, and what constitutes reliable evidence when reporting an incident.
Showdown Clues Worksheet Junior Detective Agency Case File #07 • Climax & Recovery Division
Name:
Date:
Score: / 10
"CASE CLOSED!" Final Climax & Recovery
Cam Jansen & the Mystery at the Monkey House
Chapter 7 & 8 Reading Comprehension • The Mystery Solved!
Chapter Focus Ch. 7 & 8
Detective Climax Instructions: Use details from Chapter 7 to answer how the suspects were tracked down and cornered. Answer in complete sentences where indicated!
Part 1
Chapter 7 Climax & Action (Multiple Choice)
How do the police and authorities locate the suspect vehicle in Chapter 7?
A By matching the license plate number Cam memorized and Eric wrote down.
B A trained search dog follows the smell of bananas across the city.
C The suspect calls the zoo director to confess by mistake.
D A zoo helicopter spots the monkeys waving from the car roof.
Where were the stolen monkeys being kept or concealed by the suspects?
A Free-roaming inside a pet store window display.
B Hidden in covered crates/boxes in the vehicle.
C Dressed up in doll clothes to look like teddy bears.
D Hiding in a tree in the middle of the city park.
Part 2
Chapter 7 Detective Notebook (Short Answer)
How did Cam use her photographic memory to confirm that the captured vehicle was the exact car from the zoo? What specific visual marks did she check?
How did the suspects react when police approached them? What excuse or defense did they attempt to make?
Cam's Final Clue: "Every photograph has proof. When clues connect, the truth comes out!"
Page 1 of 2
Cam Jansen Dossier Chapter 8 Case Resolution & Final Assessment
Student Name:
Part 3
Chapter 8 Resolution & Celebration (Multiple Choice)
What happens to the stolen monkeys at the end of Chapter 8?
A They are safely returned to their habitat at the zoo.
B They are given to Cam and Eric as pet rewards.
C They are sent to a wildlife preserve across the ocean.
D They escape again into the zoo cafeteria kitchen.
How do the zoo staff and police express their gratitude to Cam and Eric?
A They hire them as full-time zookeepers.
B They thank and praise their quick thinking and sharp teamwork.
Showdown Clues Question Cards Literacy Center Task Cards • Cut Along Dashed Lines
Set E • Chapter 7 Focus
Card 17 • Chapter 7
The Big Confrontation
In Chapter 7, how do the police use Cam's memory and Eric's written license plate number to intercept the suspects?
Plot Climax Analysis:
"What moment created the most suspense during the police confrontation with the suspects?"
Cam Jansen Mystery Series Reading Strategy: Plot Climax
Card 18 • Chapter 7
The Monkeys Uncovered
Describe the condition and behavior of the monkeys when they are discovered inside the suspect vehicle. How did the suspects try to hide them?
Text Evidence Prompt:
"Quote or point out one description that shows how the monkeys reacted to being rescued."
Cam Jansen Mystery Series Reading Strategy: Sensory Details
Card 19 • Chapter 7
Positive Identification
Why was Cam's eyewitness identification so crucial in Chapter 7? Why couldn't the suspects claim they just bought the monkeys legally?
Legal Sleuth Discussion:
"How does Cam prove the suspects were actually at the zoo monkey house earlier in the day?"
Cam Jansen Mystery Series Reading Strategy: Drawing Conclusions
Card 20 • Detective Game
The Witness Lineup Game
Place 4 small classroom objects on a desk (e.g., pencil, eraser, paperclip, coin). Let your partner view them for 5 seconds.
Say "CLICK!" & Turn Around:
"Remove ONE object. Can your partner identify which clue was taken? Swap roles and repeat!"
Cam Jansen Mystery Series Skill: Visual Discrimination
✂ Card Set 5 (Cards 17–20) • Print on cardstock or laminate for reuse
Literacy Center Task Cards • Cut Along Dashed Lines
Set F • Chapter 8 Focus
Card 21 • Chapter 8
Home Sweet Monkey House
How does the mood of the story transform from the beginning in Chapter 3 to the happy ending in Chapter 8?
Mood & Tone Shift:
"Compare the feelings of the characters when the monkeys were missing vs. when they were safely eating bananas again."
Cam Jansen Mystery Series Reading Strategy: Analyzing Mood
Card 22 • Chapter 8
Recognition for the Sleuths
In Chapter 8, what do the police officer and zoo director tell Cam and Eric? Why is their praise meaningful?
Character Reflection:
"How does it feel when adults recognize that children were right all along? Have you ever felt that way?"
Showdown Clues Answer Key Teacher Reference Guide Master Solution Key & Unit Culmination
Official Educator Key
Cam Jansen & the Mystery at the Monkey House
Chapters 7 & 8 Comprehension Master Key
Target Grades: 2–4
Quick Check
Multiple Choice Solutions
Question 1 A Matching plate number
Question 2 B Hidden in crates/boxes
Question 5 A Returned safely to zoo
Question 6 B Praise teamwork & wits
Part 5 Certificate Instructions: Teachers or students may sign and date the Lead Detective line. Award this upon successful completion of the novel study dossier!
Exemplars
Short Answer Model Responses & Scoring Guidance
Q3: Cam's Visual Confirmation of the Suspect Car 2 Points Possible
Model Student Response: Cam closes her eyes and matches the physical vehicle against her mental photograph, checking the exact letters and numbers on the license plate, the car's color, and where the crates were positioned.
✓ Criteria: References matching the mental picture to real-world visual features (plate, color, items).
Q4: Suspects' Reaction to Being Cornered 2 Points Possible
Model Student Response: The suspects were startled and nervous. They attempted to make up excuses and pretend the boxes were ordinary goods, but hearing monkey chatter and seeing Cam's detailed memory prove their guilt.
✓ Criteria: Explains suspect nervousness, failed excuses, and definitive evidence discovery.
Q7: Central Theme on Friendship & Teamwork 2 Points Possible
Model Student Response: The author shows that great accomplishments require different partners working together. Cam could take mental pictures, but she needed Eric to write them down, keep watch, and believe in her skills.
✓ Criteria: Synthesizes the central theme of complementary strengths and mutual trust.
Q8: Student Book Review & Favorite Moment 2 Points Possible
Acceptable Student Variations: Students may select the tense moment Cam said "CLICK!" in the parking lot, the showdown with the police, or the monkeys eating happily again.
✓ Criteria: States a specific scene and articulates a reason why it was memorable or exciting.
Unit Wrap-Up & Assessment Suggestions
Culminating Project Idea: Have students create a comic strip showing the 4 most pivotal scenes from the novel (Chapters 3, 5, 7, and 8) using Cam's "CLICK!" as the caption.
Whole-Book Discussion: Ask: "What makes mystery books so exciting to read compared to other stories? How do authors drop clues along the way?"
