Monday with a Mad Genius
#10 of 27 in Magic Tree House (R) Merlin Mission Series
on Goodreads (4,900)
What’s inside...
In this book, the main characters, Jack and Annie, embark on a mission to uncover the 'secrets of happiness' in Renaissance Italy. They meet the legendary scientist and inventor, Leonardo da Vinci, and explore his remarkable inventions and ideas. Throughout their adventure, they discover the true secret of happiness. This journey starts when they receive a message from Morgan Le Fay, the magical librarian of Camelot, instructing them to find one of the secrets of happiness to help Merlin the magician find joy again. Jack and Annie travel to Florence, Italy, in the early 1500s to spend a day with Leonardo da Vinci, one of the greatest artists and inventors of all time.
Discussion points
What qualities make Leonardo da Vinci a 'mad genius' in the story? How do those qualities help him achieve his goals?
How do Jack and Annie contribute to the story, and what do you think you could learn from their adventures?
If you could meet any historical figure like Leonardo da Vinci, who would it be and what would you want to learn from them?
Leonardo da Vinci was known for his curiosity; can you think of a time when being curious helped you learn something new?
What part of the book did you find most exciting or surprising, and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts by asking them how they would feel in situations faced by characters in the book.
Relate discussions to real-life examples of creative thinking and problem solving, demonstrating the relevance of da Vinci's achievements.
Ask your child to draw or describe an invention they would like to create, inspired by da Vinci's work, fostering a connection between reading and creativity.
Share your favorite part of the story and ask your child about theirs to promote reciprocal conversation and deepen engagement.
Use praise to reinforce your child’s insights and curiosity about the book's themes, which not only boosts confidence but also enhances their interest and focus.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Persistence in pursuing goals
Explanation: The protagonist's continued efforts to learn from historical figures illustrate the importance of perseverance.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by consistently tackling difficult tasks or subjects in school, learning not to give up easily.
Example Lesson: Importance of creativity
Explanation: The story showcases various creative geniuses, emphasizing how creativity leads to extraordinary accomplishments.
Real-World Application: Kids can be encouraged to engage in creative activities like drawing, storytelling, or problem-solving to enhance their imaginative skills.
Example Lesson: Learning from role models
Explanation: Characters in the book derive inspiration from meeting accomplished figures, which highlights the value of mentorship and learning from others' experiences.
Real-World Application: Children can be motivated to seek guidance from teachers, family members, or historical figures they admire to enrich their knowledge and skills.
Example Lesson: Value of curiosity
Explanation: The characters’ quest for knowledge about different eras and geniuses underpins the narrative, showing that curiosity drives learning and discovery.
Real-World Application: Encourage children to ask questions about the world around them and to explore topics that pique their interest, fostering a lifelong love of learning.