Don't Open the Box!
#3 in Grim Falls Academy Series
What’s inside...
Something weird is happening at Grim Falls Academy, a school for supernatural kids. Seb has unearthed a mysterious box, a pesky troll is wreaking havoc, and the school has been transformed into a massive forest. As Seb makes an irreversible wish, he, along with his friends Victor and Tabby, must work to restore normalcy and uncover the truth behind the strange occurrences.
Discussion points
What do you think might be in the box, and why do you think it should or shouldn't be opened?
How do you think the characters feel about the box? Can you relate to any of their feelings?
What would you do if you were in the story and found the box?
Why is it important to sometimes follow rules like 'don't open the box'?
How does the story change when the box is opened? What does this tell us about curiosity and caution?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to use their imagination by asking them what they would pack in a mysterious box and why.
Discuss the importance of rules and when it might be okay to question them, relating the discussion to personal experiences or rules at home.
After reading the book, engage in a role-play where you and your child act out different outcomes of the story based on different decisions.
Connect the themes of curiosity and consequences from the book to real-life situations to help your child understand these concepts better.
Ask your child to draw what they imagine might be inside the box and discuss their artwork, focusing on the emotions and ideas behind their creation.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Exploration
Explanation: In 'Don't Open the Box!', the characters are tempted by a mysterious box, portraying the natural human trait of curiosity.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of exploring and questioning the world around them, helping them to develop critical thinking skills.
Example Lesson: Consequences of Actions
Explanation: The unfolding events after the box is opened teach children that every action has a consequence.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand the impact of their choices and encourages responsibility for their actions in daily life.
Example Lesson: Resisting Temptation
Explanation: The characters in the book must resist the urge to open the box despite their curiosity, highlighting the virtue of self-control.
Real-World Application: This can help children practice self-discipline in situations like sharing, taking turns, or following rules.
Example Lesson: Problem-Solving
Explanation: The characters encounter various challenges that require creative solutions once the box is opened.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to think creatively and develop problem-solving skills when facing challenges.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Collaboration
Explanation: Handling the consequences of opening the box requires teamwork among the characters.
Real-World Application: This instills the value of cooperating and working together to overcome obstacles in school projects or family activities.