The Dragonsitter
#4 of 10 in The Dragonsitter Series
What’s inside...
Dragonsitters Island is the fourth book in a humorous chapter book series, which is uniquely told through a series of emails. The story follows a young boy named Eddie who finds himself responsible for taking care of two mischievous pet dragons. In this installment, Eddie is dragonsitting on Uncle Morton's island where he encounters strange occurrences, including disappearing sheep and a mysterious creature in the lake that might be the Loch Ness Monster. Eddie is in for a beastly surprise in this quirky, original series that is a delight for young readers ready for a high-flying adventure.
Discussion points
Why do you think Eddie wrote letters to Uncle Morton instead of calling him about the dragon?
What would you do if you had to take care of a dragon for a week?
How did Eddie's feelings about the dragon change throughout the story?
What do you think are the most important things to remember when taking care of a pet, based on Eddie's experiences?
If you could write a letter to any character in the book, who would you choose and what would you say?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in Eddie's shoes, which can help them connect more deeply with his experiences and decisions.
Discuss the importance of responsibility and how Eddie handled his responsibilities, drawing parallels to responsibilities they have at home.
Use the book's humor and mischief as a fun talking point to engage your child in a lively discussion about the characters' antics and the storyline's twists.
Ask your child to think about how they would feel and react in similar situations, which can help them empathize with the characters and reflect on their own feelings and actions.
Create a fun activity where you and your child write your own 'dragon-sitting' diary entries or letters, exploring your imagined adventures and challenges with a mythical pet.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: In 'The Dragonsitter', the protagonist Eddie is tasked with taking care of a dragon, demonstrating the challenges and joys of responsibility.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by taking care of their own pets or being responsible for certain chores around the house.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: Throughout the book, Eddie encounters multiple problems while caring for the dragon and learns to think creatively to solve them.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to think critically and creatively when they face challenges in their everyday lives.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: Eddie learns to understand and cater to the dragon’s needs, which teaches him to be considerate and empathetic towards others.
Real-World Application: Children learn to consider the feelings and needs of others, fostering empathy and kindness in their interactions.
Example Lesson: Communication
Explanation: The story is told through a series of emails, highlighting the importance of clear communication and how miscommunications can lead to problems.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of expressing themselves clearly and the importance of active listening.
Example Lesson: The impact of actions on others
Explanation: Eddie’s adventures with the dragon show how his actions affect those around him, particularly his family and the neighbors.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to consider how their actions might impact others, promoting a sense of community and awareness.