#1 in The Spiderwick Chronicles Series
The Field Guide
2003 by
on Goodreads (90,700)
What’s inside...
The Field Guide introduces us to the three Grace children who move into an old house and discover a world of faeries that is both darker and more awe-inspiring than they ever expected.
Why read this book
- Engages young minds with enchanting, magical adventures.
- Encourages curiosity and learning through mythical creatures.
- Strengthens problem-solving with plot-driven challenges.
- Characters exemplify teamwork and resourcefulness.
The Big Picture
- Encourages curiosity and exploration.
- Highlights importance of perseverance.
- Fosters teamwork and problem-solving skills.
- Facilitates discussions on overcoming obstacles.
Diversity & Representation
- Showcases diverse ecosystems and wildlife in captivating illustrations.
- Promotes understanding and appreciation of natural biodiversity.
- Encourages stewardship of diverse natural habitats worldwide.
Book in series
#1
Age
7-10
Length
114 pages
Text complexity
developing
Character Compass
Discussion points
What do you think Mallory, Simon, and Jared felt when they discovered the fantastical creatures in their new house? How would you feel in their place?
The siblings each have different ways of dealing with problems. Can you relate to any of their strategies? Which sibling's approach do you think is most like yours?
How do the characters’ perceptions of the creatures change throughout the story? Have you ever changed your opinion about something after learning more about it?
If you had a field guide to magical creatures like the one in the book, what creature would you be most excited to learn about and why?
The story shows how working together can solve problems. Can you think of a time when you worked with others to overcome a challenge?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage empathy by asking your child how they would feel in the characters' situations, helping them connect emotionally with the story.
Promote critical thinking by discussing the characters’ different problem-solving methods, and ask your child what they might have done differently in the same situations.
Foster curiosity and open-mindedness by exploring how and why characters’ views change, paralleling this to real-life scenarios of initial judgments and informed decisions.
Stimulate imagination by having your child think about what magical creature they’d like to learn about, encouraging them to invent details and characteristics about their chosen creature.
Highlight teamwork by reflecting on real-life situations where cooperation was key, drawing parallels to the characters’ collaborative efforts in the book.
What parents love
Perfect blend of adventure and learning!
My child loves the characters and the story.
Really handles sensitive topics well.
Engaging and educational at the same time!
Key Lessons
Example Lesson: Value of teamwork
Explanation: In 'The Field Guide', the Grace siblings must work together to navigate the challenges posed by the faeries living in their new home. Their collaborative efforts help them to understand and protect themselves from the mystical creatures.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of cooperating and combining strengths with others to overcome obstacles, a vital skill for group projects and social harmony.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and learning
Explanation: Throughout the book, the characters demonstrate a deep curiosity about the mysterious world around them. This thirst for knowledge leads them to explore and learn more about the faeries and their environment.
Real-World Application: Curiosity drives learning and innovation. Encouraging children to explore their surroundings and ask questions develops their intellectual and observational skills.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: In the story, the Grace children learn to take responsibility for their own safety and the well-being of the magical creatures around them. They understand that their actions have consequences in the magical world intertwined with theirs.
Real-World Application: Teaching children to be responsible for their actions helps them develop into conscientious adults, aware of how their behaviors affect others.
Example Lesson: Coping with change
Explanation: The siblings have to adjust to a significant change when they move to their Aunt's house and discover its magical secrets. They learn to adapt by facing the unknown with courage and openness.
Real-World Application: Children often face changes that may be out of their control, such as moving to a new school or city. This lesson helps them learn to embrace change positively and resiliently.