Coll the Storyteller's Tales of Enchantment
What’s inside...
Coll Hazel, the youngest bard, embarks on a critical quest to find the mythic Avalon, home of King Arthur, and lay the thirteen sacred treasures to rest before the upcoming wintereve. Along his journey, he encounters various mythical beings including giants, demons, fairies, and more. He is accompanied by his travelling companion, the raven Branwen, who is not only funny and opinionated but also wise. Together, they face dangers, make new friends, and share tales from the rich Celtic canon of literature, encompassing stories from the Mabinogian, tales of Finn MacCool, Arthurian legends, and narratives from Cornwall, Scotland, the Isle of Man, and Brittany.
Discussion points
What was your favorite tale in the book and why did it captivate you?
How would you have solved the problem if you were the main character in one of the stories?
Which character did you find most relatable, and what qualities did you admire in them?
What lessons do you think the characters learned by the end of their journeys?
If you could add a tale to the book, what kind of story would it be and what characters would it involve?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate the stories to their own experiences, asking them how they might react in similar magical situations. Discuss the moral and ethical dilemmas presented in the tales to gain insight into your child’s values and thought processes. Use expressive reading techniques, like different voices for characters, to make the storytelling come alive and enhance engagement. After reading, consider creative activities like drawing scenes or characters from the book to further immerse your child in the world of the stories.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of bravery
Explanation: Throughout the tales, characters often face difficult challenges or frightening situations that require courage to overcome.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to confront their own fears and challenges, whether it's trying out a new activity, standing up for themselves or others, or facing academic challenges bravely.
Example Lesson: Value of kindness
Explanation: Characters in the stories often prosper by showing kindness to others, even when it's not easy or when they themselves have little to offer.
Real-World Application: This reinforces to children the importance of being kind and helping others in their daily interactions, promoting a positive and caring attitude.
Example Lesson: The power of storytelling
Explanation: Coll the storyteller uses tales to convey messages, entertain, and educate, showing how storytelling is a powerful tool for communication.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to express themselves and share their own stories, enhancing their communication skills and fostering creativity.
Example Lesson: Learning from mistakes
Explanation: Several stories feature characters who make mistakes but learn valuable lessons from them, demonstrating growth and understanding.
Real-World Application: Children will understand that making mistakes is a part of learning and growth, and it's important to learn from them to make better decisions in the future.
Example Lesson: The importance of perseverance
Explanation: Many tales highlight characters who succeed by not giving up, despite various setbacks.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of persistence in achieving goals, whether in schoolwork, sports, or personal hobbies, encouraging them to keep trying even when things are difficult.