Beast Quest: Ferno the Fire Dragon
#1 of 4 in Beast Quest: New Blood Series
on Goodreads (3,656)
What’s inside...
In the first book of the Beast Quest series, a young hero named Tom embarks on an epic journey to free the Beasts of Avantia from an evil spell cast by the dark wizard Malvel. His first challenge is to defeat Ferno the Fire Dragon, who was once a gentle beast but is now terrorizing the land. With the help of his friend Elenna, her wolf Silver, and a magical golden breastplate, Tom must confront danger and learn to be a true hero.
Character compass
Tom
Elenna
Fire Dragon Ferno
Discussion points
Why do you think Tom was chosen to save Avantia from Ferno the Fire Dragon?
How did Tom's feelings change throughout his journey and what caused those changes?
What would you have done if you were in Tom’s shoes when facing challenges?
How did the friendships in the story help Tom on his quest?
What can we learn from the story about bravery and courage?
Tip: Role play these questions
During the discussion, try to draw parallels between Tom's adventure and challenges the child faces in their own life.
Praise the child’s insights and encourage them to think critically about what bravery means to them.
Ask the child to imagine alternative endings or different ways to solve problems encountered in the book.
Use the discussion as a bonding time, showing genuine interest in the child's thoughts and feelings about the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of adversity
Explanation: The protagonist, Tom, demonstrates bravery as he decides to battle Ferno the Fire Dragon to save his village.
Real-World Application: Children learn to face their fears and overcome challenges, be it speaking in front of the class or trying out for a sports team.
Example Lesson: Friendship and teamwork
Explanation: Tom teams up with his friend Elenna and her wolf Silver to undertake the quest, showing that tasks can often be accomplished more effectively with the help of others.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to collaborate with peers in group projects or team sports, understanding the value of working together towards a common goal.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Tom feels a strong sense of duty to protect his village and takes on the responsibility of confronting Ferno.
Real-World Application: This prompts children to take responsibility in their own lives, such as by completing homework on time or caring for a family pet.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: Despite numerous obstacles in his path, Tom persists in his quest, embodying determination.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of persistence in achieving goals, whether it's improving in a difficult subject at school or mastering a new skill.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: Tom often encounters challenges that he must think critically to resolve, such as finding ways to weaken Ferno without direct confrontation.
Real-World Application: This helps children understand the importance of creative thinking and problem-solving in everyday situations, from resolving conflicts with siblings to navigating school assignments.