Knight's Castle (Tales of Magic Book 2)
#2 of 7 in Tales Of Magic Series
What’s inside...
If the old toy soldier hadn't come to life, Roger would never have discovered the magic. And that would never have happened if he and his sister, Ann, hadn't been sent to stay with their bossy cousins for the summer. And that wouldn't have happened at all if their father hadn't gotten sick and gone into the hospital. But all of that did happen, and now Roger, his sister, and their cousins find themselves in a bygone world of chivalry and knighthood, of Robin Hood and Ivanhoe. In this knightly realm they can make a difference-and perhaps even save the person they most need to save-if only they are smart and brave enough, if only they are true to their hearts. Book two in the series called “truly magic in a reader’s hands” by Jack Gantos, Newbery Medal winner.
Character compass
Roger
Eliza
Ann
Jack
Discussion points
How would you feel if you were transported to a magical world like the children in the story? What would you do first?
Which character in the book do you relate to the most and why?
What lessons do you think the children learned during their adventures in the medieval world?
How do the children's relationships with each other change throughout their magical journey?
If you could have a magical adventure, what kind of setting would you choose and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine their own magical world, fostering creativity and discussing how different settings might influence their adventures.
Discuss the importance of teamwork and friendship as shown in the book, relating it to your child’s experiences with friends and siblings.
Ask your child to predict what might happen next if the story continued beyond where it ended, building their anticipation and narrative skills.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Cooperation
Explanation: In 'Knight's Castle', the children work together to overcome obstacles in the magical world they explore. Their success is deeply rooted in their ability to cooperate and value each other’s input.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by engaging in group activities where collaboration is key, such as team sports or group projects at school, teaching them the importance of working together to achieve common goals.
Example Lesson: Importance of Imagination
Explanation: The story celebrates the power of imagination as the children create an entire world inside the castle, showing how their creativity brings adventures to life.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to use their imagination in play and learning, helping them develop creative thinking skills that are vital in problem-solving and innovation in real-world scenarios.
Example Lesson: Understanding Consequences
Explanation: Decisions made by the characters in 'Knight's Castle' have clear consequences, teaching readers that choices impact both themselves and others around them.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand the importance of thinking before acting and can be applied in their daily interactions to consider the outcomes of their choices before they make them.
Example Lesson: Historical Appreciation
Explanation: Through their adventures, characters in the book explore different historical periods, sparking interest and appreciation for history and its stories.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to explore and learn more about history, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of past events that have shaped our world.
Example Lesson: Resilience and Problem Solving
Explanation: Characters face various challenges throughout the book and must come up with solutions to navigate through them, demonstrating resilience and sharp problem-solving capabilities.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to persist in facing their own challenges and to think critically to devise solutions, skills that are valuable in academic and personal growth.