The Genie from Down Under
not part of a series
on Goodreads (7)
What’s inside...
The Genie from Down Under is a children's television series that follows the story of Penelope Townes, a young girl from Australia who discovers a magical opal that houses two genie brothers, Bruce and Baz. When Penelope becomes their new master, she finds that her wishes often lead to humorous and unexpected consequences. The genies, who are from Down Under – a reference to their Australian origin – have their own desires to be free from servitude and return to their home in the genie world. Throughout the series, Penelope and the genies navigate various adventures and learn important life lessons about friendship, responsibility, and the true meaning of happiness.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
8-12
Length
192 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Penelope Townes
Diana Townes
Edna
Bruce
Otto Von Meister
Discussion points
How did the characters' wishes affect their relationships with others in the story?
What would you wish for if you had your own genie and why?
How did the characters change from the beginning to the end of the book?
Were there any consequences of the wishes that surprised you? What were they?
What did the story teach you about the importance of being careful what you wish for?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to put themselves in the shoes of the main characters, asking how they would feel and react in similar situations.
Discuss the moral implications of the characters' wishes to help your child understand the broader impacts of their choices.
Use the wishes made by characters as a springboard to talk about real-life desires and responsible decision-making.
After reading, ask your child to imagine a sequel or an alternate ending. This encourages creative thinking and deeper engagement with the narrative themes.
Relate the story's theme to personal experiences or family stories where a choice or wish led to unexpected outcomes.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding the value of kindness and empathy
Explanation: Throughout 'The Genie from Down Under,' the characters learn the importance of being kind and showing empathy towards others, even when it's not easy. This is depicted through their interactions and the consequences of their actions on others.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this to their daily interactions by considering how their actions affect others and choosing to act with compassion and understanding.
Example Lesson: The importance of honesty
Explanation: The story emphasizes how honesty builds trust and strengthens relationships. Characters face various situations where they must choose between telling the truth or deceiving others, highlighting the long-term benefits of being truthful.
Real-World Application: In real life, children learn that being honest improves their relationships and trustworthiness among friends and adults.
Example Lesson: Respecting differences
Explanation: The book showcases characters from diverse backgrounds and perspectives, illustrating how respecting and valuing differences can lead to better understanding and cooperation.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to embrace and respect the diversity around them, understanding that everyone's unique traits contribute to a richer, more inclusive community.
Example Lesson: Responsibility and the consequences of one's actions
Explanation: Characters in the book are faced with situations where they must take responsibility for their actions, and they learn how their decisions have an impact on themselves and others.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the importance of thinking before acting and being accountable for their actions in their everyday life, such as in school or while interacting with friends.