The Grand Opening
#5 of 5 in The Dragon Defenders: the runaway phenonemon junior fiction series
on Goodreads (149)
What’s inside...
A best-selling, rip-roaring, page-turning tale of dragons and their brave child guardians, with mind-blowing, interactive augmented reality content accessible via free app AR Reads. The Pitbull has captured every last dragon from The Island and brought them to the mainland for the grand opening of Dragon World. Flynn, Paddy, and Briar, stuck in their new school, feel powerless until they make a new friend. The books come alive with the free 'AR Reads' app, featuring 3D animations, 2D animations, code crackers, and video and audio messages. The app is optional, allowing readers to enjoy the books with or without augmented reality.
Discussion points
What do you think inspired the characters to plan 'The Grand Opening'? How did their collaboration lead to success?
Which character did you relate to the most and why?
How do you think the town felt about 'The Grand Opening' and what impact did it have on the community?
If you were to create your own event, what would it be and who would you plan it with?
What challenges do you think the characters faced during their planning, and how did they overcome them?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts by asking them about their favorite parts of the story and why those stood out to them. Draw parallels between the teamwork in the book and instances where your child might have worked together with others, discussing the outcomes and feelings associated with those experiences. Use descriptions of the town and events to ask your child how they imagine it would look like, fostering creativity and attentive reading.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Collaboration
Explanation: In 'The Grand Opening,' characters work together to prepare for the opening of a new town park. This cooperation is shown through their joint efforts in organizing, decorating, and solving problems that arise.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by participating in group activities at school or in their community, learning to cooperate with others to achieve common goals.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: Throughout the story, the characters encounter various challenges that require creative solutions, such as dealing with unexpected weather changes or supplies running short.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to think critically and creatively when faced with obstacles, enhancing their ability to adapt and find solutions in their own lives.
Example Lesson: The Importance of Community
Explanation: The book highlights how a community comes together for the grand opening, showcasing the strength and support a united community can offer.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of being active members of their community, understanding that their contributions can have a positive impact on the people around them.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Characters in the book take on specific roles and duties in preparation for the grand opening, learning to be accountable for their tasks.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the importance of taking responsibility for their actions and duties, be it in their chores at home or assignments at school.
Example Lesson: Celebrating Achievements
Explanation: At the end of the story, the community celebrates the successful opening of the park, recognizing the hard work and collaboration that made it possible.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate and celebrate their own achievements and those of others, fostering a sense of pride and accomplishment.