The Cape of Wonders
What’s inside...
In 'Cape' by Kevin Johnson, illustrated by Kitt Thomas, a young child copes with the loss of a loved one through the transformative power of a cape. Initially used as a shield from grief at the funeral, the cape eventually becomes a source of comfort and strength. As the child confronts and processes memories, the cape helps him navigate the complex emotions of sadness and joy. This heartrending story beautifully explores grief and love, showcasing the necessity of redefining loss and the healing that memories can bring.
Discussion points
What magical powers would you want if you had a cape like in the story, and how would you use them to help others?
How did the character's feelings change throughout the story? Can you relate to any of these feelings from your own experiences?
What lessons did the characters learn by the end of the book? How can we apply these lessons to our everyday life?
If you could add another adventure in the book, what would it be and why?
How do you think teamwork played a role in the story? Can you share a time when you had to work together with others to achieve something?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive voices for different characters to make the story come alive and keep your child engaged.
Ask your child to predict what might happen next at various points in the story to encourage critical thinking.
Relate the story to your child’s experiences by drawing parallels between the book’s events and their own life, which enhances comprehension and personal connection.
After reading, encourage your child to draw scenes or characters from the book. This helps them process and remember the story better.
Discuss the moral of the story and how it applies to real-world situations, reinforcing the values and lessons from the book.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of adversity
Explanation: The protagonist in 'The Cape of Wonders' faces numerous challenges but continually musters the courage to confront them, showing resilience and bravery.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to tackle their own challenges, big or small, with courage, understanding that being brave is about standing up despite fears.
Example Lesson: Value of teamwork
Explanation: Throughout the book, characters achieve goals through cooperation, demonstrating that teamwork often leads to success.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to collaborate with others, be it in school projects or in play, emphasizing the importance of working together.
Example Lesson: Importance of curiosity and learning
Explanation: The main character's quest is driven by a thirst for knowledge, showing that curiosity can lead to incredible adventures and growth.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to ask questions, seek out new experiences, and cherish education as a path to personal development.
Example Lesson: Empathy and kindness
Explanation: Characters in the book frequently express empathy and perform acts of kindness, reinforcing the impact of these values.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of empathizing with others' feelings and the impact their actions can have on the world around them.
Example Lesson: Creativity and imagination
Explanation: The vivid settings and inventive solutions in the story highlight the power of imagination and creative thinking.
Real-World Application: This lesson can motivate children to use their creativity to solve problems and express themselves in unique ways.