Lightfall: The Girl & the Galdurian
#1 of 3 in Lightfall Series
on Goodreads (11,338)
What’s inside...
In the land of Irpa, a young girl named Bea lives with her grandfather, the Pig Wizard, in the Salty Pig’s House of Tonics & Tinctures. Their peaceful life is disrupted when Bea encounters Cad, a member of the thought-to-be-extinct Galdurian race. Together, they face the urgent task of finding Bea's missing grandfather and keeping the Jar of Endless Flame safe. Their journey across Irpa to find the Pig Wizard unveils an ancient secret that holds the potential to alter their world forever.
Discussion points
What do you think Bea learned about friendship throughout her journey?
How do the different characters in the book help each other overcome challenges?
What would you do if you found yourself in a new, unfamiliar place like Bea?
How do you think Cad's background as a Galdurian influences his decisions in the story?
What lessons can we take from the book about bravery and facing our fears?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to put themselves in Bea's shoes and explore how they might feel in similar situations.
Discuss the importance of teamwork and ask your child to give examples of how teamwork is portrayed in the book.
Prompt your child to talk about the settings in the book and how they might affect the mood and actions of the characters.
Explore the theme of discovery by asking your child what they think about exploring new places and learning new things.
Highlight the moral dilemmas faced by the characters and ask your child how they would act in those situations.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage and stepping out of comfort zones
Explanation: Bea, the protagonist, is initially reluctant to adventure outside her safe and familiar surroundings. As the story progresses, her journey with Cad, a new mysterious companion, emboldens her to face unknown challenges.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to overcome fears and try new activities or make new friends, understanding that growth often comes from stepping beyond the familiar.
Example Lesson: Friendship and trust
Explanation: Throughout the tale, Bea and Cad build a strong bond rooted in mutual respect and reliance. Their companionship demonstrates the power of trust and how teamwork can help overcome obstacles.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to foster trustful relationships with their peers, learn to collaborate, and support each other in achieving common goals.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving and resilience
Explanation: The protagonists encounter numerous challenges and adversaries. Their ability to think critically and not give up in the face of adversity is a recurring theme.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of persistence and creative thinking when faced with difficulties, and encourages them not to be discouraged by setbacks.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding diverse perspectives
Explanation: Bea learns to understand and empathize with figures from different backgrounds and with different viewpoints throughout her journey.
Real-World Application: This aspect can help children appreciate diverse perspectives and cultures, promoting inclusivity and empathy in their interactions with others.
Example Lesson: The importance of curiosity and learning
Explanation: Bea's adventure is also a journey of discovery, leading to the unraveling of mysteries about the magical world they inhabit. Her curiosity propels the plot forward.
Real-World Application: Curiosity can be a driving force behind learning and discovery in a child's education. Encouraging questions and exploration can lead to a deeper understanding of the world around them.