Elsie and the Magic Biscuit Tin
Early Reader Series
on Goodreads (22)
What’s inside...
Early Readers are stepping stones from picture books to reading books. A blue Early Reader is perfect for sharing and reading together, while a red Early Reader is the next step in the reading journey. Elsie's Grandma's biscuit tin holds a secret - it can grant wishes. When Elsie wishes for everything she touches to turn into chocolate, chaos ensues, including turning her Grandma into chocolate! Elsie must find a way to reverse the effects with one last wish. This is the second Early Reader story from Phil Earle, a talented author and CARNEGIE MEDAL shortlisted writer known for his impactful YA novels.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-7
Length
64 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What would you do if you found a magic biscuit tin like Elsie?
How do you think Elsie felt when she discovered the tin's powers?
Can you think of someone who you would help with a magic biscuit, like Elsie did?
What is the most important lesson Elsie learned from her adventures?
If you could wish for one thing from a magic biscuit, what would it be and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine their own magical object and what powers it would have, linking it back to the biscuit tin in the story.
Discuss the moral dilemmas Elsie faces and ask your child what they would do in her place, promoting empathy and ethical thinking.
Praise your child’s responses to cultivate a positive reading environment and reinforce their understanding and analytical thinking skills.
Relate the story's themes to real-life situations in your child's world to help them connect with the story on a deeper level.
After discussing the book, encourage your child to draw a scene or a new character they would add to the story, enhancing their creative expression.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of sharing
Explanation: Elsie learns the value of sharing when she realizes that spreading the magic of the biscuit tin creates more joy than keeping it to herself.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by sharing toys or snacks with their peers, fostering a sense of community and cooperation.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and exploration
Explanation: Throughout the book, Elsie's adventurous spirit leads her to discover the biscuit tin's magical properties, demonstrating the benefits of curiosity.
Real-World Application: Encouraging children to explore new hobbies or ask questions about the world around them enhances their learning and personal growth.
Example Lesson: The consequences of greed
Explanation: The story shows Elsie facing difficulties when she becomes greedy with the biscuit tin's powers, teaching children about moderation.
Real-World Application: This lesson can be mirrored in a child's life by teaching them to not overindulge, whether in eating sweets or in screen time, promoting balance and self-control.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: Elsie encounters various challenges that she needs to solve using her intelligence and creativity.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to apply similar problem-solving skills in their daily challenges, whether in completing school projects or resolving conflicts with friends.