The Luck of Sallowby
#5 in Jillies Series
on Goodreads (15)
What’s inside...
The Luck of Sallowby follows the story of a young boy named David who discovers an old house with a mysterious past. As he explores the house and its surroundings, he uncovers a hidden treasure and becomes entangled in a thrilling adventure. With the help of his friends, David must outwit a group of villains and solve the mystery of Sallowby. This classic children's novel is filled with suspense, excitement, and heartwarming friendships. Additionally, the story delves into the historical resistance of Hereward the Wake to the Norman invasion and portrays the storms of 1947 that led to the Great Fen Floods, which are illustrated with photographs from that time.
Discussion points
What do you think made Sallowby lucky? How did that luck impact the people in the town?
If you lived in Sallowby, what would you do to contribute to the town's luck?
How did the characters' actions lead to unexpected outcomes? Can you think of a time when your actions had an unexpected outcome?
What role do friendship and teamwork play in the story? How do they help solve the problems faced by the characters?
How would you change the ending of the story? What different choices would you have the characters make?
Tip: Role play these questions
Highlight the context of luck in the story, and encourage your child to relate it to their own experiences of feeling fortunate or making fortunate decisions.
Discuss the moral implications of the characters’ decisions, fostering a deeper understanding of right and wrong, and the grey areas in between.
Encourage your child to draw parallels between the teamwork illustrated in the book and their interactions with others at school or in sports.
Motivate your child to imagine alternate endings or story progressions, which helps develop their creative thinking and storytelling skills.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of teamwork
Explanation: In 'The Luck of Sallowby', the characters must collaborate to solve the mystery of the missing treasure, showing that working together can lead to success.
Real-World Application: Children learn to cooperate with others, share responsibilities, and accomplish goals together, which is essential in school projects and family activities.
Example Lesson: Courage in facing fears
Explanation: The young protagonists face their fears when venturing into unknown parts of their town and confronting unexpected challenges.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of bravery and pushing beyond their comfort zones, important for trying new activities or standing up for themselves.
Example Lesson: The significance of honesty
Explanation: The story highlights how honesty from the characters leads to trust and respect among the group, which are crucial for their mutual success.
Real-World Application: Instills the principle that being truthful and transparent is imperative in building and maintaining trustful relationships in real life.
Example Lesson: Respect for history and culture
Explanation: As the children uncover the history behind Sallowby, they learn to appreciate and respect their town’s heritage and culture.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to explore and value their own community's history and traditions, fostering a sense of belonging and identity.