A Trogen Surprise
2022 by
What’s inside...
In 'A Trogen Surprise', author Charis Mather delivers an enchanting tale of discovery and friendship set in the magical woods of Trogen. When young Sam stumbles upon a mysterious, hidden door in a tree, he's swept into a world of fantastical creatures and unforeseen adventures. Throughout the story, Sam learns valuable lessons about trust, courage, and the importance of being open to the unexpected. This captivating book not only fuels the imagination but also gently nudges young readers towards embracing new experiences with an open heart.
Why read this book
- Engaging, adventurous storyline sparks imagination.
- Characters demonstrate problem-solving, resilience.
- Encourages curiosity and critical thinking.
- Ideal for interactive family reading sessions.
The Big Picture
- Illustrates importance of empathy and kindness.
- Enhances understanding of social and emotional cues.
- Offers narrative for discussing real-life kindness.
- Fosters community support through compassionate actions.
Diversity & Representation
- Features characters from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds.
- Promotes inclusion and understanding through relatable diverse characters.
- Encourages respect for all cultures with engaging storytelling.
Age
8-12
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
intermediate
Character Compass
Discussion points
What do you think the main character felt when they discovered the surprise?
How would you have reacted if you were in a similar situation?
What do you think is the most important message of the story?
Can you think of a time when you had a surprise that changed your day?
What would you do differently if you were the main character?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think deeply about the characters’ emotions and relate them to their own experiences.
Use follow-up questions to delve deeper into your child’s thoughts and feelings about the book.
Discuss the moral or lesson of the book and how it applies to everyday situations your child may encounter.
Create a fun and relaxed environment for the discussion to promote open and honest conversation.
Praise your child’s responses to validate their understanding and feelings about the story.
What parents love
Kids loved the mystery element, very engaging!
Really appreciate the subtle moral lessons embedded.
Fun and educational—perfect reading before bedtime.
Great balance, keeps my child interested and learning.
Key Lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of Teamwork
Explanation: The story demonstrates how characters collaborate to overcome obstacles, highlighting the power of working together.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson in group activities at school or play, learning to cooperate and value each member's contribution.
Example Lesson: Value of Honesty
Explanation: Characters in the story face consequences for deceit and learn the benefits of being truthful.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to be honest in their daily interactions and builds trust with peers and adults.
Example Lesson: Embracing Diversity
Explanation: The book includes a variety of characters from different backgrounds, showing that diversity enriches experiences.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and respect individuals’ differences in their community and school, fostering inclusivity.
Example Lesson: Resilience in Adversity
Explanation: Characters encounter challenges but learn to persevere and not give up.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to face difficulties in life with determination and not to be discouraged by setbacks.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Problem Solving
Explanation: The story encourages thinking outside the box to solve problems creatively.
Real-World Application: Kids can be motivated to employ creative thinking in homework tasks or in resolving conflicts with friends.