Lily Bowers and the Uninvited Guest
#1 of 1 in Lily Bowers Series
on Goodreads (14)
What’s inside...
Discover the World of Lily Bowers - Ten-year-old Lily Bowers discovers her extraordinary gift of communicating with animals and faces the challenge of saving Mother Nature from animal cruelty. She must rally her animal friends in her beloved forest, once traveled by the Brothers Grimm, to protect nature. Alongside dealing with a bully at school, Lily must find the courage to convince the world to prioritize nature. 'Lily Bowers and the Uninvited Guest' is the first book in an eco-fantasy series for middle graders that empowers children to make a difference and save animals. The book features 42 full-color illustrations, provides actionable steps for advocating for animals, information on UN Sustainable Development Goals, and quotes about respecting biodiversity. A portion of the book's profits supports ending animal cruelty in labs through Doctors Against Animal Experiments.
Character compass
Lily Bowers
Aunt Harriet
Discussion points
What do you think Lily felt when she met the uninvited guest? Have you ever felt the same way?
Why is it important to be kind and understanding to someone new, even if they are unexpected?
What would you do if you were in Lily's shoes when she discovered the uninvited guest?
How do you think the story would change if the uninvited guest was someone from your school or neighborhood?
What did you learn from Lily’s reaction to the uninvited guest that you can apply in your own life?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing your own thoughts and feelings about the book to create an open, communicative environment.
Ask your child to draw or act out their favorite scene, which can help them express thoughts and emotions they might not be able to articulate.
Encourage your child to think about how they would feel and react in Lily’s situation, fostering empathy and personal connection to the story.
Point out specific behaviors or actions of characters in the book and ask your child how they think those actions affected the story, helping them understand cause and effect.
After discussing the book, relate the themes to your child’s real life by asking if they’ve had similar experiences, which helps them apply the book’s lessons.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in facing fears
Explanation: Lily Bowers confronts unexpected challenges when an uninvited guest disrupts her world, teaching her to face fears head-on.
Real-World Application: Children learn to tackle new or intimidating situations in their own lives, understanding that bravery can lead to positive outcomes.
Example Lesson: Importance of empathy
Explanation: Through her interactions, Lily learns to understand and share the feelings of others, particularly the uninvited guest, fostering a sense of compassion.
Real-World Application: This story encourages children to be empathetic towards classmates and friends, promoting an inclusive and supportive environment.
Example Lesson: Value of curiosity
Explanation: Lily's adventure begins with her curiosity about the mysterious guest, showcasing how asking questions and seeking knowledge are crucial.
Real-World Application: Kids are inspired to explore the world around them and engage in learning opportunities, enhancing their cognitive and social skills.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Lily takes responsibility for resolving the issues caused by the uninvited guest, demonstrating accountability for her actions.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the importance of taking responsibility in both small and large matters in their daily interactions.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: Despite challenges, Lily adjusts and perseveres, showing resilience in adverse situations.
Real-World Application: Children learn to remain steadfast and adaptable when faced with difficulties, helping them overcome obstacles and bounce back stronger.