The Great Good Thing
#1 in The Sylvie Cycle Series
on Goodreads (2,722)
What’s inside...
Sylvie has been a twelve-year-old princess for more than eighty years, ever since the book she lives in was first printed. She's the heroine, and her story is exciting -- but that's the trouble. Her story is always exciting in the same way. Sylvie longs to get away and explore the world outside the confines of her book. When she breaks the cardinal rule of all storybook characters and looks up at the Reader, Sylvie begins a journey that not even she could have anticipated. And what she accomplishes goes beyond any great good thing she could have imagined. A storybook princess breaks the fourth wall and incites a new kind of adventure in this imaginative middle grade fantasy perfect for fans of Chris Colfer and Gail Carson Levine.
Discussion points
How did Sylvie's bravery change her world, and how can you apply that courage in your own life?
Why do you think the characters were so eager to jump off the page and into the Reader's mind?
If you could live in any book, which one would it be and why?
What are the challenges the characters faced when transitioning between being story characters and real-world entities? How did they handle change?
How does the idea of 'changing your story' inspire you in your everyday life?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express what they found most intriguing about the story and why.
Connect the themes of the book, like bravery and change, to real-life events or decisions to make the conversation more relatable.
Ask your child to imagine themselves as a character in the book and explore what choices they would make in similar situations.
Discuss the importance of every character in the story, highlighting how each character contributed to the narrative's outcome, fostering a sense of understanding diverse perspectives.
After reading the book, engage in a creative activity like drawing scenes or characters from the book to reinforce themes and nurture a deeper connection.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The power of self-belief
Explanation: In 'The Great Good Thing,' the protagonist, Princess Sylvie, demonstrates strong self-belief by stepping out of the confines of her storybook to save her world.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to trust in their abilities and be confident in pursuing their goals, understanding that believing in themselves is the first step towards achieving anything.
Example Lesson: Importance of creativity
Explanation: Princess Sylvie creatively thinks outside the box, or in this case, outside the book, to rewrite the narrative literally and metaphorically.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to use their imagination to solve problems and create new possibilities, showing that unconventional thinking can lead to positive outcomes.
Example Lesson: Value of perseverance
Explanation: Throughout the story, Sylvie faces numerous challenges but never gives up. Her determination is a key to her success and in protecting her storybook world.
Real-World Application: Children can learn that persistence is crucial when facing difficulties and that perseverance can often lead to success, even when situations seem bleak.
Example Lesson: Understanding change and adaptation
Explanation: As the characters in the book come to life and interact with the real world, they adapt to new environments and challenges.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand that change is a part of life and adapting to new situations is necessary for growth and learning.