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How the King of Elfhame Learned to Hate Stories

#3 of 3 in The Folk of the Air Series

illustrations by
4.16
on Goodreads (238,025)

What’s inside...

An irresistible return to the captivating world of Elfhame. Once upon a time, there was a boy with a wicked tongue. Before he was a cruel prince or a wicked king, he was a faerie child with a heart of stone. Revealing a deeper look into the dramatic life of Elfhame’s enigmatic high king, Cardan, his tale includes delicious details of life before The Cruel Prince, an adventure beyond The Queen of Nothing, and familiar moments from The Folk of the Air trilogy, told wholly from Cardan’s perspective. This new installment in the Folk of the Air series is a return to the heart-racing romance, danger, humor, and drama that enchanted readers everywhere. Each chapter is paired with lavish and luminous full-color art, making this the perfect collector's item to be enjoyed by both new audiences and old.
In series
Series reading

Sequential

Age

13-14

Length

200 pages

Text complexity

Character compass

Cardan Greenbriar
Jude Duarte
Aslog
Balekin Greenbriar

Discussion points

Why do you think the King of Elfhame learned to hate stories, and how do his feelings change throughout the book?
What lessons does the King learn about trust and friendship?
How do the characters in the book show courage or bravery?
What do you think is the most important message of this story?
If you could ask one character in the book a question, who and what would it be?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to reflect on how the characters’ experiences and emotions relate to their own life.
Discuss the significance of storytelling and ask your child about their favorite stories and why they like them.
Highlight themes of growth and change within the book to help your child understand these concepts in their own life.
Use expressive reading techniques, changing your voice for different characters, to make the discussion more lively and engaging.

Key lessons

Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: The book follows the journey of a king who learns to see the world through others' perspectives, understanding their feelings and motives.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to put themselves in others' shoes, considering how their actions affect those around them, thus improving their relationships and social interactions.
Example Lesson: The consequences of actions
Explanation: As the king navigates his past actions, the narrative highlights the impact of decisions and the importance of accountability.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to think before they act and to understand that their choices have consequences that may affect themselves and others.
Example Lesson: The power of storytelling
Explanation: The book showcases how stories can shape perceptions, teach lessons, and influence events and people.
Real-World Application: Children can appreciate the significance of storytelling in learning, communication, and cultural identity, fostering a love for reading and creative expression.
Example Lesson: Growth and redemption
Explanation: The king's journey is one of self-discovery and redemption, showing that people can change and grow over time.
Real-World Application: This lesson can inspire children to strive for personal improvement and to understand that it's never too late to make positive changes.