Enigma: A Magical Mystery
on Goodreads (548)
What’s inside...
Bertie Badger loves to visit the Retirement Home for Elderly Magicians and watch his grandpa perform magic tricks. But one day all the magicians’ props go missing, so Bertie sets off to investigate. Can he solve the mystery in time to save the show?
Age
5-9
Length
39 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the different magical creatures in the book represent?
How did Bertie’s journey to find the missing magic items make you feel?
What would you have done if you were in Bertie’s place during his adventure?
Why do you think the artist hid clues in the illustrations?
Which part of Bertie’s quest was the most exciting for you and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to describe their favorite character and why they liked them, to help enhance their understanding and connection to the narrative.
Ask your child to guess what might happen next at various points in the story to keep them engaged and thinking critically.
Discuss the importance of perseverance as displayed by Bertie throughout his adventure, relating it to personal experiences or challenges.
Post-reading, engage in a creative activity like drawing one of the magical creatures from the book or creating an alternative ending to the story with your child.
Point out the various artistic details in the illustrations and ask your child what they notice and why those elements might be important.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of problem-solving
Explanation: In 'Enigma: A Magical Mystery,' the protagonist sets out on a quest to solve the mystery of his missing grandfather and the stolen artwork, showcasing critical thinking and perseverance.
Real-World Application: Children can apply problem-solving skills in their daily activities, ranging from solving puzzles to handling interpersonal conflicts.
Example Lesson: Appreciation for art
Explanation: The story is intertwined with detailed illustrations and hidden clues that engage readers, fostering a deep appreciation for visual art and attention to detail.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to visit museums, create their own art, and observe the world more keenly to appreciate the beauty of artistic expressions.
Example Lesson: Value of determination
Explanation: As the young protagonist faces challenges in his quest, his unwavering determination to find his grandfather and solve the mystery serves as a prime example of staying determined despite obstacles.
Real-World Application: Children learn to stay focused and determined in achieving their own goals, whether it's completing a school project or learning a new skill.
Example Lesson: Importance of historical knowledge
Explanation: The adventure reveals various historical artworks and references, highlighting how past events and creations can play a role in current scenarios.
Real-World Application: Kids are encouraged to explore history and learn about their heritage, which can foster a sense of identity and continuity.
Example Lesson: Understanding of mystery and suspense
Explanation: The plot of 'Enigma' is rich with suspense and mystery elements that keep readers engaged and teach narrative understanding.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children grasp the concept of suspense and mystery in stories, enhancing their comprehension and storytelling skills.