Spellbook of the Lost and Found
What’s inside...
One stormy summer night, Olive and her best friend, Rose, begin to lose things, starting with mundane items like hair clips and jewelry. As the losses escalate, Rose loses something significant that she refuses to discuss. Olive then encounters three enigmatic strangers: Ivy, Hazel, and Rowan, who, like Rose, are mourning losses and harboring secrets. Together, they stumble upon an ancient spellbook filled with charms to restore lost things. As they attempt to use the spells, they uncover secrets that may have been better left undiscovered. Meanwhile, 'The Lost Spells' book, a dazzling and inventive creation by the duo behind 'The Lost Words,' features a new set of natural spell-poems and illustrations. These spells focus on everyday yet underappreciated flora and fauna, aiming to invoke a sense of wonder and urge protection for the natural world.
Age
4-5
Length
240 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Olive
Hazel
Laurel
Rose
Rowan
Ivy
Discussion points
What would you do if you found a spellbook? How would you use it?
Which character did you relate to the most and why?
The theme of loss is prevalent throughout the book. What is something you've lost and how did it make you feel?
How do the characters' actions affect their relationships with others? Can you think of a time when your actions impacted a friendship?
What is the significance of finding and losing things in our lives, according to the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing your own thoughts and feelings about the book to create an open environment for your child to express themselves.
Encourage your child to describe their favorite parts of the book and ask why those stood out to them.
Use the themes of the book such as loss, friendship, and magic as gateways to discuss personal experiences and feelings your child might relate to.
Guide the conversation to connect the story to real-life decisions and ethical dilemmas the characters face, enhancing critical thinking.
Reinforce the importance of understanding and empathy by discussing characters' perspectives and motives.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of friendship and trust
Explanation: The characters in 'Spellbook of the Lost and Found' rely on each other to overcome challenges, demonstrating the strength found in trusting and working together with friends.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of cooperating with others and building trustful relationships, which aids in developing social skills and resolving conflicts in everyday interactions.
Example Lesson: Consequences of one’s actions
Explanation: As the characters in the book use magic to find lost items, they also face unintended consequences that teach them about responsibility for their actions.
Real-World Application: This lesson emphasizes the importance of thinking decisions through and understanding that actions have effects, helping children develop responsibility and foresight in their choices.
Example Lesson: Acceptance and dealing with loss
Explanation: The narrative explores themes of loss and the process of healing, showing how characters accept and cope with their losses.
Real-World Application: Children can learn how to process feelings of loss—whether it’s a lost item or a more profound loss—fostering emotional intelligence and coping mechanisms for difficult times.
Example Lesson: The power of self-belief
Explanation: Throughout their journey, the characters learn to believe in themselves and their abilities, which is key to their success.
Real-World Application: Instilling the idea that confidence and self-belief are essential for overcoming obstacles and achieving goals, which can motivate children to face challenges with a positive outlook.