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Mystery of the Hidden Elves (The Boxcar Children Creatures of Legend)

#2 of 5 in The Boxcar Children Creatures Of Legend Series

3.94
on Goodreads (64)

What’s inside...

The Aldens have joined Dr. Iris Perez as she investigates legendary creatures around the world. In this adventure, the children travel to Iceland to look into stories of mischievous elves causing trouble. The legends of huldufolk, or hidden people, go back a long way in the country, but are elves really the cause of the problems, or is there a more natural explanation for the strange events on the island?
In series
Series reading

Sequential

Age

7-10

Length

144 pages

Text complexity

Character compass

Henry Alden
Jessie Alden
Benny Alden
Violet Alden

Discussion points

What do you think the hidden elves represent or symbolize in the story?
How do the characters' actions help them solve the mystery of the hidden elves?
What would you have done differently if you were one of the Boxcar Children?
How did the setting influence the story of the hidden elves?
What did you learn about teamwork from the Boxcar Children's adventure?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts by asking them to draw parallels between the story and their own experiences. Use follow-up questions to delve deeper into their interpretations and feelings about the plot and characters. Highlight the importance of teamwork and critical thinking as portrayed by the Boxcar Children, and ask how these skills can be applied in real-life scenarios. Lastly, create a fun and relaxed environment for the discussion to make it an enjoyable learning experience for both of you.

Key lessons

Example Lesson: Cooperation and Teamwork
Explanation: Throughout 'Mystery of the Hidden Elves,' the Boxcar Children must work together to solve the mystery. Their collaborative effort is essential in piecing together clues and finding solutions.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of working with others to achieve common goals, which is a vital skill in school projects and family activities.
Example Lesson: Problem-Solving Skills
Explanation: The characters use critical thinking and reasoning to solve puzzles and uncover secrets about the elves. These problem-solving episodes show the power of using logic and creativity to overcome obstacles.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to approach challenges in their lives with a strategic mindset, enhancing their ability to navigate complex situations.
Example Lesson: Courage and Bravery
Explanation: Facing the unknown about the hidden elves, the characters show bravery as they delve into mysterious events. They confront their fears and push forward despite uncertainties.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to face their own fears and uncertainties, whether it's trying out for a team, standing up in class, or dealing with a difficult situation.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Learning
Explanation: The Boxcar Children's quest is driven by their curiosity about the legendary creatures. Their journey highlights the joy and fulfillment that comes from learning new things and discovering the world around them.
Real-World Application: It teaches children to remain curious and enthusiastic about learning, encouraging them to explore new subjects and engage with new ideas actively.

Mystery of the Hidden Elves (The Boxcar Children Creatures of Legend) by Gertrude Chandler Warner, Aimee Lilly