#5 in The Land of Stories Series
The Land of Stories: An Author's Odyssey
2016 by
on Goodreads (42,750)
What’s inside...
In the fifth installment of the Land of Stories series, Conner Bailey is on a mission to rescue his twin sister, Alex, from the clutches of the evil Masked Man. With the help of his classmate Bree and the outlandish Mother Goose, Conner must travel into his own short stories to gather an army of literary characters powerful enough to save the fairy tale world and all who live there.
Why read this book
- Engages creativity through fantastical, narrative-driven adventures.
- Strengthens literacy with compelling and rich text.
- Encourages empathy through diverse character experiences.
- Supports problem-solving skills with intricate plotlines.
The Big Picture
- Promotes creativity and problem-solving skills.
- Encourages resilience and overcoming challenges.
- Teaches value of inclusiveness and cooperation.
- Stirs discussions on life’s pressures and disappointments.
Diversity & Representation
- Features diverse characters from multiple cultural backgrounds.
- Promotes inclusivity through various fantastical and real settings.
- Encourages understanding and acceptance of different perspectives.
Book in series
#5
Age
9-11
Length
438 pages
Text complexity
intermediate
Character Compass
Discussion points
How do you think the characters felt when they faced challenges? Can you relate to any of their feelings?
What are some ways the characters showed bravery? What would you do in a similar situation?
Why do you think friendship is important in the story? Can you share a story about your friend?
How do the different worlds in the book compare to our world? What would you want to explore there?
Tip: Role play these questions
When discussing challenges the characters face, share a personal story of a challenge you faced in your own life to help your child connect to the material.
Praise your child's thoughts and insights during discussions to encourage deeper thinking and confidence in expressing their ideas.
Encourage your child to draw a scene from the book. This can help them visualize the setting and characters, making the story more engaging and personal.
Ask your child to predict what might happen next after a major event in the book, then read on to see how closely their predictions match the story.
What parents love
Perfect blend of adventure and life lessons.
Engages young readers with fantasy and reality.
Promotes literacy through captivating storytelling.
Teaches valuable moral and creative lessons.
Key Lessons
Example Lesson: The power of creativity and storytelling
Explanation: In 'The Land of Stories: An Author's Odyssey,' the protagonist, Conner, uses his storytelling abilities to create and manipulate magical worlds, demonstrating the impact and significance of creativity.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by using their imagination to solve problems, express themselves through art or writing, and understand the world from various perspectives.
Example Lesson: Value of teamwork
Explanation: Throughout the book, Conner and his friends work together to overcome challenges, showcasing the importance of collaboration and respecting others' ideas and abilities.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of cooperating in group settings like school projects or sports, stressing the benefits of diverse input and mutual support.
Example Lesson: Facing fears
Explanation: Characters in the story often face fearful situations but learn to overcome them bravely, illustrating the strength in facing and conquering one's fears.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to tackle their own fears and understand that feeling scared is natural, but courageously working through it is crucial for growth and confidence.
Example Lesson: Resilience in adversity
Explanation: Conner’s journey shows him tackling numerous obstacles, teaching readers about resilience and the importance of perseverance in difficult times.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to persist despite setbacks in their own lives, whether in academics, personal goals, or relationships.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: As characters interact with diverse beings in magical realms, they learn to understand and empathize with those who are different from themselves, highlighting the importance of empathy.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be empathetic towards classmates and friends, fostering a supportive and understanding environment.