Prunella and the Cursed Skull Ring
on Goodreads (253)
What’s inside...
A sweet and gently macabre graphic novel for young readers. There are whispers around the village that monsters are lurking outside the gates. Prunella doesn't pay this talk much mind―until she unearths a strange skull-shaped ring in her garden. When she places it on her finger she's transformed into a skeleton girl, terrifying her monster-fearing town! Exiled, Prunella wanders the wilderness, where she discovers that monsters aren’t as bad as she’s been led to believe. With her new friends, undead pirate Captain Rip Skeleton and Francis, a floating, fiery skull, at her side, Prunella is sure to find a way to reverse this curse…but does she really want to?
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
6-10
Length
160 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What feelings did Prunella experience when she first found the cursed skull ring? How would you feel in her situation?
Why do you think the ring was cursed? Who do you think placed the curse, and what could be their reason?
How did Prunella's actions change the story's outcome? What would you have done differently if you were her?
Can you think of any lessons that Prunella learned by the end of the book? What did you learn from the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in Prunella's world by asking them how they would feel and react in similar situations.
Discuss the concept of consequences by exploring decisions made by Prunella and other characters.
Help your child connect with the story's themes, like courage and responsibility, by relating them to their own life experiences.
Use the discussion to build empathy by considering different characters' perspectives and motivations.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of fear
Explanation: Prunella shows bravery when she confronts mysterious challenges related to the Cursed Skull Ring, teaching children the importance of facing fears head-on.
Real-World Application: Children learn to tackle everyday fears such as trying something new or standing up for themselves.
Example Lesson: Responsibility for one's actions
Explanation: The story unfolds as Prunella learns that the ring's curse is linked to actions taken without considering consequences, highlighting the impact of responsible behavior.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand the importance of thinking before acting, whether it’s in sharing with siblings or completing school assignments.
Example Lesson: The power of friendship
Explanation: Throughout her adventures, Prunella relies on her friends who help her solve the mystery, showing how collaboration and support are crucial.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by working together with peers in group tasks or supporting friends in need.
Example Lesson: Resilience through challenges
Explanation: Despite numerous setbacks, Prunella perseveres with her quest, teaching resilience.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to not give up easily, be it in learning new skills or in problem-solving situations.