Illuminations
on Goodreads (40)
What’s inside...
A medieval alphabet book, illustrated in the style of illuminated manuscripts, presenting aspects of the Middle Ages from alchemist to zither. From Alchemist to Zither, this medieval alphabet book glows with ornately illuminated letters and decoration; the text, describing such uncommon entries as Excalibur, Portcullis and Villein, is a virtual history lesson in itself.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-9
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What emotions did you feel while reading 'Illuminations'? Can you describe a part of the book that made you feel that way?
Which character in 'Illuminations' do you relate to the most, and why?
If you could change one thing about the story, what would it be and why?
What do you think is the main message of 'Illuminations'? How can we apply it to our daily lives?
If you had a chance to ask the author one question about the book, what would it be?
Tip: Role play these questions
To foster a deeper connection and understanding of 'Illuminations', encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story. Listen actively, show empathy, and share your interpretations as well. Drawing parallels between the themes of the book and real-life situations can make the conversation more relatable and insightful for your child.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: The story illustrates how characters understand and share the feelings of others, guiding young readers through complex emotions.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by recognizing emotions in peers and offering support, fostering stronger friendships and social connections.
Example Lesson: Importance of Perseverance
Explanation: Characters in the book face challenges but learn to overcome them through determination and persistence.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of not giving up in the face of difficulties, whether it be in school tasks or personal goals.
Example Lesson: Value of Teamwork
Explanation: The characters work together to solve problems, highlighting the importance of cooperation and collaboration.
Real-World Application: Kids learn to participate effectively in group activities at school and play, understanding that team efforts often achieve more than solo endeavors.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Imagination
Explanation: The book celebrates creative solutions to problems, encouraging out-of-the-box thinking.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to use their imagination in learning and playing, which can promote innovative thinking and problem-solving skills.