Blizzard of the Blue Moon
#8 of 39 in The Magic Tree House Series
What’s inside...
Jack and Annie are off on another Merlin Mission. This time, Merlin has sent them to rescue a beautiful magical creature—the unicorn. But when they land in New York City during the Depression of the 1930s, Jack and Annie are confused. Where will they find a unicorn in a big city? From the Hardcover edition. Magic. Mystery. Time-travel. Join Jack, Annie, and the Magic Tree House as they travel to the past on a daring unicorn rescue mission—from the #1 bestselling chapter book series of all time!
Discussion points
How do you think Jack and Annie felt when they were in New York City during the blizzard? Can you relate to their feelings?
Why do you think the unicorn needed help? What does this tell us about helping others in need?
What would you do if you were given a mission like Jack and Annie? Would you be excited or scared?
How did the setting of the blizzard affect the story? How do you think the story would change if it were set in a different location or time?
What is one lesson you learned from this adventure of Jack and Annie?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing your own thoughts or feelings about the story. This can help your child feel more comfortable expressing their own ideas.
Ask your child to draw a scene from the book. This can help them think deeper about the details and themes of the story.
While discussing the book, encourage your child to imagine and describe what they would do in similar situations as the characters, fostering empathy and decision-making skills.
Relate the themes of the story to real-life situations. For example, discuss a time when you or your child helped someone else, connecting the story's themes to personal experiences.
Praise your child’s responses and thoughts to assure them that their opinions are valued, reinforcing their confidence and interest in reading and discussing books.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and compassion
Explanation: In 'Blizzard of the Blue Moon,' the characters Jack and Annie help a unicorn find its way back to its home, showcasing acts of kindness and empathy.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to understand and share the feelings of others, helping them to build stronger relationships with friends and family.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: Throughout the book, the siblings face various challenges in a magical, snow-covered New York City. Their determination and creative thinking help them navigate these obstacles successfully.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to think critically and creatively when faced with their own challenges, fostering independence and confidence.
Example Lesson: The importance of perseverance
Explanation: Jack and Annie continue their quest despite numerous setbacks caused by the blizzard, teaching readers about resilience.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to persist in their goals and activities, even when they encounter difficulties, emphasizing the value of hard work and persistence.
Example Lesson: Historical awareness
Explanation: Set in the Great Depression, the book provides historical context that enriches the story and educates the reader.
Real-World Application: This can spark interest in history and encourage children to learn more about different times and how they compare to the present day.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: The siblings work together to solve the problems they face, showing the importance of cooperation and teamwork.
Real-World Application: Children learn the significance of collaborating with others to achieve common goals, which can be applied in school projects and team sports.