The Demon Notebook
#1 in The Demon Notebook Series
on Goodreads (204)
What’s inside...
Grace and her four best friends, Jenny, Rachel, Adie and Una, are failed witches with a notebook full of useless spells. However, one night they discover real magical powers and their notebook comes to life, causing their spells to work one by one, leading to potentially disastrous consequences. The girls must find a way to stop the powerful magic before tragedy strikes.
Character compass
Grace
Jenny
Rachel
Una
Adie
Discussion points
What do you think Grace and her friends learned from their experiences with the notebook?
How would you handle a situation where something magical or unexpected happened to you?
Why is it important to be careful what you wish for? Can you think of a time when you wanted something that turned out differently than expected?
What does this story teach us about friendship and trust?
How do the characters change from the beginning to the end of the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the discussion with your child by sharing your own thoughts on the book, and then encourage them to express their opinions and feelings about the story.
Ask your child to relate the magical elements of the story to real life situations — it can lead to creative and insightful responses.
Encourage your child to think about the morals and lessons within the story by asking how different characters' decisions might teach us something important.
Discuss the consequences of the characters' actions in the book and relate them to real-life scenarios your child may face, to help them understand cause and effect.
Praise your child for their insights and understanding, to foster a positive and enjoyable discussion environment.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of friendship and teamwork
Explanation: Throughout 'The Demon Notebook,' the protagonists rely on each other to solve problems and face challenges, emphasizing the value of cooperation and mutual support.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by working collaboratively in group projects at school or when solving conflicts with siblings or friends, learning to value and trust others’ inputs.
Example Lesson: Consequences of actions
Explanation: The characters in the book face unintended consequences after using a spellbook, teaching readers that actions can have unforeseen results.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to think critically about the potential outcomes of their decisions, whether it's in their interactions with others or choices in school activities.
Example Lesson: Critical thinking and problem-solving
Explanation: As the characters attempt to fix the problems they inadvertently caused, they employ critical thinking and strategic planning, showing the importance of these skills in overcoming difficulties.
Real-World Application: Kids can use these skills in everyday challenges, such as resolving disputes with peers or tackling complicated academic tasks, enhancing their ability to navigate obstacles creatively and effectively.
Example Lesson: Responsibility and accountability
Explanation: The young witches take responsibility for the chaos they created and work towards setting things right, demonstrating accountability for one's actions.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to own up to their mistakes and work towards rectifying them, be it in their personal relationships or school responsibilities, fostering a sense of integrity and honesty.
Example Lesson: The value of perseverance
Explanation: Despite numerous setbacks, the characters persist in their efforts to correct their mistakes, illustrating the importance of resilience and determination.
Real-World Application: Children learn to persist through difficulties, whether in completing a challenging school assignment or mastering a new skill, understanding that perseverance is key to achieving goals.