Igraine the Brave
on Goodreads (9,163)
What’s inside...
Igraine dreams of becoming a famous knight just like her great-grandfather, but life at the family castle is rather boring. That changes when the nephew of the baroness-next-door shows up with a plan to capture the castle and claim the magical singing spell books that belong to Igraine's magician parents. During the siege, Igraine's parents accidentally turn themselves into pigs. With the help of a Gentle Giant and a Sorrowful Knight, Igraine must be brave and save the day, as well as the books. In the spirit of Dragon Rider and The Thief Lord, an enchanting fairy tale told with Cornelia's trademark warmth and perfect Funke fare for readers in the middle grades-Cornelia's "sweet spot"!
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-10
Length
212 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think made Igraine brave and confident? Can you think of a time when you felt brave?
How did Igraine's family support her dreams? Why is it important to have support from family?
If you could have any magical power like the characters in the book, what would it be and why?
What lessons did Igraine learn throughout her adventures? How do you think these lessons helped her grow?
How do you think the story would change if it was set in today's world? What modern elements would you include?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate their own experiences to Igraine's adventures, fostering a deeper personal connection to the narrative.
Discuss the importance of family support depicted in the book and relate it to your child's life, emphasizing how family can help achieve dreams.
Explore the theme of courage by asking your child about times they have felt brave, drawing parallels to Igraine's character.
Use the magical elements of the story as a fun way to stir imagination, asking your child what magical power they might like and how they would use it.
After discussing the book's lessons, ask your child how they could apply these lessons to their own life, helping them see the practical impact of Igraine's growth.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage and bravery
Explanation: Igraine, despite being young and less experienced, shows remarkable courage throughout the book by facing challenges head-on.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to face their own fears and challenges with bravery, whether it’s trying something new or standing up for what's right.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: Igraine never gives up, even when the situations seem daunting or when magic spells go wrong.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of persistence and hard work in achieving goals, be it in school tasks, sports, or personal projects.
Example Lesson: Importance of family
Explanation: Igraine’s adventure highlights her close relationships with her family who support and believe in her capabilities.
Real-World Application: Children can appreciate and seek support and guidance from their family, understanding the strength that familial bonds bring.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: Throughout her quest, Igraine shows compassion towards friends and foes alike, understanding their perspectives and needs.
Real-World Application: This helps children understand the importance of considering others' feelings and viewpoints and responding with kindness.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: Igraine often finds clever and creative solutions to obstacles, demonstrating critical thinking and resourcefulness.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to think outside the box and use their creativity to solve problems in daily life.