The Eyemonger
What’s inside...
The Eyemonger is a gripping tale of a dystopian future where privacy is extinct, and an all-seeing entity controls the populace. A band of unlikely heroes emerges, challenging the status quo and sparking a revolution that could either free their world or doom it forever. In a faraway land, a stranger arrives with promises of greater security in exchange for sacrificing privacy. His name is The Eyemonger, and he has 103 eyes. With the help of flying eye creatures, he spies on everybody. But his plan soon starts to go wrong. The book discusses the importance of privacy in a way that children can understand.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-12
Length
48 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the Eyemonger represents in the story, and why is it important?
How did the characters in the book feel when the Eyemonger was watching them, and have you ever felt the same way?
What are some ways the characters could deal with the Eyemonger? Can you think of other solutions?
How does the story change when the characters work together?
What did you learn from the ending of the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the Eyemonger, relating it to their personal experiences of being observed or watched.
Discuss the importance of privacy and personal space, drawing parallels with situations in the child’s own life.
Use the story as a starting point to talk about teamwork and collective problem-solving, asking your child about times they worked with others to overcome a challenge.
After reading, ask your child to draw their version of the Eyemonger or another key scene, discussing each element they include and its significance in the story.
End your discussion by asking your child to think about what they would do if they encountered the Eyemonger, fostering critical thinking and personal response to the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Privacy and Respect
Explanation: The Eyemonger teaches children about the importance of privacy by showcasing how the creature collects and misuses people's eyes, demonstrating the consequences of not respecting others' personal space and privacy.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to value and protect their own and others’ privacy in real-world situations such as at school or during playtime, understanding the importance of asking permission before sharing personal information or belongings.
Example Lesson: Courage and Standing Up for What is Right
Explanation: The protagonist's journey to confront the Eyemonger and demand the return of the stolen eyes embodies the idea of facing one’s fears and fighting for justice.
Real-World Application: This lesson inspires children to be brave and stand up against wrongdoings, whether it’s speaking out against bullying or defending a peer, fostering a sense of justice and moral integrity.
Example Lesson: Importance of Community and Collaboration
Explanation: As the protagonist rallies the townspeople to reclaim their eyes, the story highlights how working together can overcome challenges that may seem insurmountable alone.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to appreciate the power of teamwork and cooperation in achieving common goals, like collaborating on group projects in school or working together in family tasks.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: The narrative encourages readers to understand the feelings of those affected by the Eyemonger’s actions, fostering empathy and compassion.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this understanding by learning to recognize and respect the feelings and perspectives of others in their everyday interactions, promoting harmonious relationships.