Grey Wolf, Prince Jack and the Firebird: A Magic Beans Story
Magic Beans Series
on Goodreads (12)
What’s inside...
This is the story of Prince Jack and the adventures he had when he set out to look for the mysterious firebird. When fruit is stolen from his golden tree, the King is furious! Prince Jack must locate the culprit, but his simple quest to find the thief soon turns into a thrilling tale of love, friendship and betrayal. This story is a magic bean that, when planted in a young mind, will grow into a love of story and reading. The story is part of the Magic Beans anthology published by David Fickling Books and is available in hardback and ebook format.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-9
Length
48 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think Prince Jack felt when he met the Firebird?
How do you think the Firebird changed the story?
What lesson can we learn from Grey Wolf's actions and decisions?
Can you imagine what you would do if you were in Prince Jack's place during his adventures?
How do you think the story would change if there was no Grey Wolf?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use a gentle tone and show genuine interest in their thoughts and responses.
Encourage your child to think critically by asking them how they would feel or react in similar situations as the characters.
Relate the story's themes or moral lessons to real-life events or personal experiences to make the discussion more relevant.
Praise your child’s responses to boost their confidence in expressing their ideas and opinions.
Ask follow-up questions to delve deeper into your child's interpretation and understanding of the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage and Bravery
Explanation: The protagonist, Prince Jack, embarks on a daring quest to save the Firebird, showcasing his courage and bravery throughout the journey.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to face their fears and tackle challenges confidently, whether it’s trying out new activities or standing up for what is right.
Example Lesson: Friendship and Teamwork
Explanation: Prince Jack allies with Grey Wolf, demonstrating the power of friendship and teamwork as they navigate obstacles together.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to understand the importance of cooperating and forming positive relationships with peers.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: Throughout their adventure, Prince Jack and Grey Wolf encounter and solve numerous problems, using wit and intelligence.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply creative problem solving in their daily interactions, such as resolving conflicts and overcoming personal challenges.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: Despite the challenges he faces, Prince Jack’s commitment to his quest never wavers, illustrating the lesson of perseverance.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of persistence in achieving goals, whether in academics, sports, or personal projects.
Example Lesson: Respect for Nature
Explanation: The depiction of the mystical Firebird and the natural landscapes in the story highlight the importance of respecting and preserving nature.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate the environment and understand their role in its conservation.