Forest Secrets: A Fairy Houses Mystery (The Fairy Houses Series®)
Fairy Houses Series
on Goodreads (8)
What’s inside...
When Kate Evans moves to a seaport town in New Hampshire, she is thrilled that her new home is located at the edge of an enchanted forest. She and her new friend and neighbor, Luke Carver, explore the wonders of nature until they stumble upon an unsolved mystery hidden in a tree trunk. They ponder the questions, What are the magical secrets of the woods? Will we discover the secrets of the fairy houses? Can those secrets help us save the land we love before it's sold and developed? This entrancing story is a beautifully illustrated adventure--complete with a map and hidden magical delights--that is designed to engage children in the enjoyment of nature and increase environmental awareness.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-11
Length
126 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the forest creatures would say if they could talk? How do you think they feel about their homes?
Can you imagine building your own fairy house? What natural materials would you use and why?
Why is it important to respect and protect nature, as illustrated in the story?
How do you think the secrets of the forest help the characters grow? What did they learn?
If you were a character in the book, what kind of adventures would you like to have in the forest?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to describe their favorite parts of the forest and why they find them magical.
Ask your child to draw or describe their ideal fairy house, discussing the elements of nature they would use.
Discuss the importance of conservation and how respecting nature helps everyone, drawing parallels to themes in the book.
Share personal stories of your experiences with nature and any secrets or surprises you've encountered.
Suggest creating a small fairy house together in a garden or pot, using safe and natural materials, to bring the story to life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of teamwork
Explanation: In 'Forest Secrets,' various characters work together to solve the mystery of the fairy houses. This collaboration highlights how teamwork plays a vital role in achieving goals.
Real-World Application: Children learn to cooperate with peers during group activities at school or in play, understanding that collective effort often leads to success.
Example Lesson: Respect for nature
Explanation: The story emphasizes the beauty and the importance of preserving natural environments as characters interact with the fairy houses, built seamlessly within the forest without harming it.
Real-World Application: It encourages children to be mindful of their natural surroundings, promoting activities like recycling, conservation, and respectful wildlife interactions.
Example Lesson: Creativity and imagination
Explanation: The creation of fairy houses and the mystery surrounding them spark creativity, as characters imagine and bring to life their ideas.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to engage in creative play and exploration, enhancing their cognitive and creative skills through drawing, building, or storytelling.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: The characters face challenges and obstacles that they must overcome to uncover the secrets of the fairy houses, showcasing effective problem-solving methods.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to face challenges calmly and creatively, applying logical reasoning and innovative thinking to their daily tasks and problems.