The Secrets of Droon Series
The Hidden Stairs and the Magic Carpet
1999 by
on Goodreads (4,885)
What’s inside...
The magic begins when Julie, Neal, and Eric discover a tiny room under the basement stairs. A rainbow-colored staircase suddenly appears and carries them to the secret world of Droon -- a land of shiny red men, giant flying lizards, and a princess who needs their help.
Why read this book
- Adventure-packed tale sparks imagination and creativity.
- Relatable protagonists foster emotional connections and empathy.
- Enhances critical thinking through problem-solving scenarios.
- Encourages engagement and discussion between parents and children.
The Big Picture
- Promotes critical thinking through problem-solving adventures.
- Enhances creativity with imaginative settings and scenarios.
- Teaches value of friendship and teamwork in challenges.
Diversity & Representation
- Features diverse characters from different cultural backgrounds.
- Promotes inclusivity and understanding through magical adventures.
- Encourages acceptance and friendship among various characters.
Age
6-9
Length
80 pages
Text complexity
developing
Character Compass
Discussion points
How would you feel if you discovered a magical world? What's the first thing you would do there?
What qualities do you admire in Eric, Neal, and Julie? How do those qualities help them on their adventure?
The kids in the book face many challenges. Can you think of a time when you had to overcome a challenge? What did you learn from it?
If you had a magic carpet, where would you go and why?
How do you think teamwork helped Eric, Neal, and Julie in their adventures? Can you think of a time when teamwork was important in your life?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in the story and ask how they would react in similar situations.
Discuss the character traits that help the protagonists succeed. This can lead into a conversation about developing and valuing these traits in real life.
Use the magical elements of the story to foster creativity, asking your child to describe or draw their own magical world.
Relate the book’s challenges to real-life scenarios your child might face, emphasizing problem-solving and resilience.
Highlight the importance of teamwork as demonstrated in the book and relate it to your child's experiences with friends or in school.
What parents love
Magical story, really fuels the imagination!
Perfect blend of adventure and morals.
Keeps my child engaged and excited to read more.
Educational yet fun, highly recommend!
Key Lessons
Example Lesson: Bravery and Courage
Explanation: In 'The Hidden Stairs and the Magic Carpet', the protagonist, Eric, faces various challenges and dangers in a magical world. His journey exemplifies the need for bravery when confronting the unknown and standing up to adversity.
Real-World Application: Children learn to face their fears and challenges head-on, whether it’s trying out for a school play, standing up to a bully, or tackling a difficult subject at school.
Example Lesson: Friendship and Teamwork
Explanation: Throughout the book, Eric and his friends work together to overcome obstacles. The story highlights how cooperation and working as a team can achieve goals that might seem impossible for an individual.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of collaboration and supporting one another in group projects or sports, fostering a sense of community and shared success.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Exploration
Explanation: The characters’ adventure begins when they explore a mysterious hidden staircase. This exemplifies the virtues of curiosity and the benefits of exploring new areas to gain knowledge and experience.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to be inquisitive and explore new subjects, ideas, and places, promoting lifelong learning and discovery.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: As the characters face various mystical challenges, they need to think critically and creatively to solve problems. This narrative element underlines the importance of strategic thinking and innovative solutions.
Real-World Application: Children learn to apply critical thinking and creativity to solve problems in their studies, play, and everyday decisions.
Example Lesson: Responsibility and Leadership
Explanation: Eric often takes the lead in guiding his friends through challenges, demonstrating leadership and the importance of taking responsibility for group outcomes.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to take initiative in leadership roles in group activities and be accountable for their actions in both personal and collective endeavors.