Abby and the Magic Mirror
#7 of 17 in Whatever After Series
on Goodreads (3,209)
What’s inside...
Abby and her younger brother Jonah discover a magic mirror in their basement that leads them into different fairy tales, which they inevitably wind up messing up. They must find a way to fix the stories before they get completely out of hand and change the fairy tales forever. In the seventh installment, the magic mirror transports them into the story of Beauty and the Beast. When Jonah angers the Beast by picking flowers from his garden, he becomes the Beast's prisoner. Abby must find Beauty to save her brother, but when the Beast doesn't like Beauty, Abby and Jonah must play match-makers to fix this fractured fairy tale before it gets ugly.
Character compass
Abby
Snow White
Jonah
The Evil Queen
Discussion points
How do you think Abby felt when she first discovered the magic mirror?
What would you do if you found a magic mirror like Abby?
Why is it important to think carefully before making wishes?
How did Abby’s adventures change the way she thought about her friends and family?
What lessons did Abby learn by the end of the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by reflecting on Abby's emotions and decisions at key points in the story to help your child connect with the character’s experiences.
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in the story, asking what they would wish for and exploring the potential consequences.
Discuss the moral of the story, focusing on the importance of thinking before acting and the value of close relationships.
Ask your child to consider how they would resolve conflicts similar to those faced by Abby, promoting critical thinking and empathy.
Wrap up the conversation by asking your child to summarize what Abby learned and how they can apply these lessons in their own life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: Abby learns to understand and empathize with characters from different worlds, reflecting on their feelings and perspectives.
Real-World Application: Children can apply empathy in real life by considering other people's emotions and viewpoints, fostering more harmonious interactions with friends and family.
Example Lesson: Courage and Bravery
Explanation: Throughout her adventures, Abby faces various challenges and learns to overcome her fears, demonstrating bravery.
Real-World Application: Kids are encouraged to face their own fears and challenges, whether it’s trying out for a school play, standing up to a bully, or learning something new.
Example Lesson: Problem-Solving Skills
Explanation: Abby encounters problems that she must solve using her wit and the resources available to her in the magical world.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to think critically and use their resourcefulness to navigate schoolwork and everyday problems.
Example Lesson: The Importance of Friendship
Explanation: Abby relies on her friends and learns about the value of teamwork and trust through her magical journey.
Real-World Application: Children learn the significance of building and maintaining friendships, sharing experiences, and supporting each other in various endeavors.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Abby is tasked with missions in the magical world, learning to take responsibility for her actions and their outcomes.
Real-World Application: Kids learn about accountability for their actions, helping them develop a sense of responsibility in their assignments and personal relationships.