Flights and Chimes and Mysterious Times
What’s inside...
In nineteenth-century England, a boy named Jack Foster enters a doorway into a different version of London called Londinium, a dark and dangerous place filled with metal fairies, clockwork dragons, and mechanical limbs. Ruled by the Lady who demands a perfect flesh-and-blood child and has chosen Jack, his only hope for escape lies with a legendary clockwork bird known as the Gearwing, which grants wishes but was thought to be destroyed. Fans of steampunk and fantasy will find this irresistible.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
8-12
Length
320 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think about the world that Jack discovers? How is it different from our world?
How do you feel about the choices Jack makes throughout his adventure? Would you have done anything differently?
Which character in the book did you find most interesting or relatable, and why?
How do you think the story would change if it was set in today’s world?
What is the most important lesson you learned from this book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Begin by asking your child about their favorite part of the book and why it stood out to them, this can help you gauge what aspects of the story resonated most with them.
Discuss the moral dilemmas faced by the characters to help your child explore different perspectives and ethical considerations.
Encourage your child to imagine alternative endings or scenarios in the book, which nurtures creativity and critical thinking.
Relate themes or situations from the book to real-life events or personal experiences to make the discussion more relevant and engaging.
Use expressive reading and voices for different characters during read-aloud sessions to make the story come alive and enhance understanding of the narrative and its characters.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage and facing fears
Explanation: The protagonist, Jack, frequently confronts and overcomes dangerous situations, showing bravery in a mysterious and sometimes intimidating environment.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of facing their fears and standing up for themselves, which can be applied in situations such as trying new activities or dealing with school challenges.
Example Lesson: Importance of friendship and trust
Explanation: Throughout his adventures in Londinium, Jack learns to trust and rely on his new friends, which is crucial to his survival and success.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of building trustful relationships and supporting friends in various life scenarios, whether in school projects or in playground activities.
Example Lesson: Understanding and appreciating differences
Explanation: Jack encounters creatures and people who are very different from him, and he learns to understand and appreciate these differences.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to embrace diversity and learn from others who might not look, think, or act like them, promoting inclusivity and empathy.