Lilac Peabody and Sam Sparks
Lilac Peabody Series
What’s inside...
Lilac Peabody is a small, shimmering extraterrestrial who helps children solve their problems. In the first novel of a new series, Lilac helps Sam Sparks, a lonely new kid at school, make friends by inviting a girl from a traveling circus family to his birthday party. The act of kindness leads to an unforgettable birthday celebration, and Lilac moves on to help the next child. The series follows the same group of children within a school environment and focuses on one child per novel, with Lilac’s presence being the vital link between them. As children reveal their vulnerabilities to Lilac, she empowers them to solve their own problems and then disappears once they have achieved their aims.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-9
Length
82 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Sam Sparks
Lilac Peabody
Discussion points
What do you think makes Lilac Peabody such a unique character?
How do Lilac's actions influence those around her, such as Sam Sparks?
If you had a friend like Lilac, what adventures would you like to go on?
Why is it important to help others, as Lilac does in the story?
How did the relationship between Lilac and Sam change throughout the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate their personal experiences to those of the characters, enhancing empathy and understanding.
Discuss the moral lessons Lilac teaches and ask your child how they might apply these lessons in their own life.
Praise your child’s responses to foster confidence and promote an ongoing interest in reading and discussion.
Use examples from the book to talk about the significance of friendship and community support.
Ask your child to imagine alternative endings to the book and discuss how those changes could affect the story's message.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: Lilac Peabody, a tiny alien, helps Sam Sparks understand other people's feelings and perspectives.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be considerate and understand the feelings of their peers, promoting a more harmonious social environment.
Example Lesson: Bravery
Explanation: Sam learns to overcome his fears with Lilac’s encouragement, illustrating the power of supportive friendships.
Real-World Application: Children are motivated to face their own fears and challenges, knowing that being brave can lead to personal growth and stronger relationships.
Example Lesson: Importance of helping others
Explanation: Throughout the book, Lilac assists various characters in subtle ways, demonstrating the impact of kindness.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of altruism and helping others, fostering a sense of community and goodwill in their daily interactions.
Example Lesson: Creativity
Explanation: Sam’s imaginative nature is highlighted as he interacts with Lilac, encouraging creative problem-solving.
Real-World Application: Children learn to use their imagination to solve problems and express themselves creatively in various aspects of life.
Example Lesson: Acceptance of differences
Explanation: Sam learns to accept and appreciate Lilac's differences, despite her being an alien.
Real-World Application: Promotes inclusivity and the acceptance of individuals from diverse backgrounds, crucial for social harmony.