Olly Spellmaker and the Sulky Smudge
on Goodreads (4)
What’s inside...
Olly Spellmaker is old enough to be Alex's granny. Much as he likes her, she can be so irritating. She needs to find some ghosts to haunt a disturbingly unscary house and Alex is a boy who can 'twingle' - or sense spectres. The problem is, he doesn't know what sort until they have materialised.
Why read this book
- Engaging, fantasy-driven storyline enchants young readers.
- Characters display resilience and creativity.
- Encourages cognitive development through problem-solving elements.
- Ideal for interactive parent-child reading sessions.
Discussion points
What do you think Olly Spellmaker would do if you were in charge of the magic for a day?
How did the Sulky Smudge make you feel when it first appeared in the story? Why do you think it acted that way?
If you could create a magical spell to help one of the characters, what would it be and why?
What lessons did the characters learn by the end of the book? Have you learned something similar in your life?
How would the story change if it was set in today's world? Which modern items would Olly Spellmaker use?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive voice tones while discussing the magical elements to enhance the imaginative experience.
Draw parallels between the conflicts in the story and real-life situations to help your child connect with the characters' emotions.
Encourage creative thinking by asking your child to invent their own magical creature or object that could exist in Olly Spellmaker’s world.
Discuss the importance of understanding and empathy towards others, as demonstrated by the characters, relating it back to personal experiences or hypothetical scenarios.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: In 'Olly Spellmaker and the Sulky Smudge', the protagonist learns about taking responsibility for their actions when they accidentally unleash a mischievous smudge. Through the story, Olly works to correct the chaos caused by the smudge.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by taking ownership of their actions and understanding the importance of correcting mistakes in their daily life.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: Throughout the story, Olly faces various challenges that require creative solutions, especially in dealing with the unpredictable smudge. This encourages an innovative approach to obstacles.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to approach challenges in school or in social situations with a problem-solving mindset, considering multiple solutions.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: Olly learns to understand and sympathize with the smudge despite its troublesome behavior, which is an essential aspect of the story's resolution.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children to empathize with others' feelings and perspectives, fostering better relationships and social interactions.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: The book highlights the theme of perseverance as Olly continuously tries to manage the smudge’s antics and prevent further trouble, showcasing the virtues of persistence.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to keep trying and not give up in the face of difficulties, whether it be at school, in sports, or other activities.
Example Lesson: Friendship
Explanation: The development of friendship between Olly and another character, despite initial misunderstandings, underscores the importance of friendship and trust.
Real-World Application: This can remind children of the value of building and maintaining friendships, even when disagreements occur.