Louisa's Secret: Red Fox Ballet Books 2
#2 in Red Fox Ballet Books Series
What’s inside...
Louisa's Secret follows the journey of a young ballerina, Louisa, as she navigates the challenges and adventures at the prestigious Red Fox Ballet School. With the discovery of a mysterious old diary, Louisa uncovers secrets that could change the future of the ballet school. Along the way, she learns about trust, friendship, and the power of following her dreams. In a parallel story, new boy Tony moves into the neighborhood and becomes friends with Weezer. Initially skeptical about ballet, Tony is persuaded by Weezer to help her practice at home. He soon discovers his talent and enjoyment for dancing.
Discussion points
How do you think Louisa felt when she discovered her secret power?
What would you do if you had a similar secret like Louisa?
Why is it important to help friends, just as Louisa helped her friends in the story?
Can you think of a time when you felt really brave, like Louisa?
What do you think is the main lesson Louisa learned by the end of the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the discussion by sharing your own thoughts on the book to create a comfortable talking environment.
Ask your child to draw a scene from the book that they found particularly interesting or exciting, and discuss why they chose it.
Encourage your child to express how they feel about the characters’ decisions and actions, validating their feelings and perspectives.
Use the story as an opportunity to discuss the value of secrecy and trust, relating them to your child's everyday experiences.
After discussing the questions, have your child think about what they would write in a sequel to the book, encouraging them to think creatively and critically.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance in the face of challenges
Explanation: The protagonist, Louisa, faces numerous challenges as she prepares for her ballet performance. Despite setbacks, she continues to practice and improve her skills.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of persistence and hard work when encountering difficulties in their own activities, such as learning a new sport or subject at school.
Example Lesson: The importance of teamwork
Explanation: Louisa learns that working together with her peers enhances the overall performance and success of the ballet show. She experiences how collaboration can lead to a greater outcome than working alone.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the significance of cooperative play and shared tasks, fostering better relationships and group problem-solving skills in school projects or team sports.
Example Lesson: Building self-confidence
Explanation: As Louisa overcomes her initial fears and doubts about her dancing abilities, she gains a stronger belief in herself and her talents.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to face their fears and self-doubt, learning to believe in their own abilities through practice and encouragement, be it in academic or extracurricular activities.
Example Lesson: Valuing constructive criticism
Explanation: Throughout her training, Louisa receives constructive feedback from her instructors, which she uses to improve her ballet techniques.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand the importance of accepting feedback graciously and using it to refine their skills, whether in academics, arts, or interpersonal relationships.