The Maloneys' Magical Weatherbox
not part of a series
What’s inside...
Neil and Liz Maloney have a secret: their father is the keeper of the Weatherbox, a magical phone booth that rings four times a year, signaling the changing of the seasons. But this summer, the phone does not ring and autumn does not arrive. Instead, a mysterious tourist of magic, two nonsensical hags, and a cat-shaped bog beast show up at their doorstep. Only their neighbor Mrs. Fitzgerald isn't surprised, and she seems to have the ability to control the weather. Now, Neil and Liz must uncover the source of Mrs. Fitzgerald's power and restore order to the climate.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
9-12
Length
320 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Neil Maloney
Liz Maloney
Mr. Maloney
Ms. Lemarchand
Discussion points
How do you think Neil felt when he had to take over his family's responsibility with the weatherbox? What would you do if you were in his shoes?
What do you think the changing weather signifies in the story? Have you ever noticed how different weather can affect your mood or day?
Why is teamwork important in the story? Can you share a time when you had to work with others to achieve a goal?
How do the seasons in the book compare to the seasons we experience? Which season do you most look forward to and why?
What did you learn about courage and responsibility from Neil and Liz's adventures?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate their personal experiences to Neil's feelings and decisions, which can help deepen their understanding of the character's challenges.
Discuss the symbolism of weather and the impact it has on our lives, which can help engage your child in a deeper analysis of the story's themes.
Highlight the importance of working together by drawing parallels between the teamwork in the book and its necessity in real-world situations.
Use the descriptions of the seasons in the book to initiate a discussion about your child's preferences and experiences with different weather conditions.
Focus on the lessons Neil learns about bravery and responsibility, prompting your child to think about how they can apply these lessons in their own life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: In 'The Maloneys' Magical Weatherbox', the Maloney children must take charge of the weatherbox when their parents disappear, demonstrating the importance of responsibility.
Real-World Application: This teaches children that taking responsibility for tasks, big or small, is crucial and can have significant impacts on those around them.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: The siblings must work together to manage the chaotic weather and find their parents, showcasing the power of teamwork.
Real-World Application: Children learn that collaboration with others can lead to overcoming challenges and achieving common goals in school projects or sports.
Example Lesson: Adaptability
Explanation: The ever-changing weather conditions around the Maloney's home require the children to quickly adapt to new and unexpected situations.
Real-World Application: This highlights the importance of being flexible and adaptable in daily life, such as adjusting to sudden changes in plans or environments.
Example Lesson: Courage
Explanation: Facing fears and stepping into roles of high responsibility require courage, as demonstrated by the Maloney children.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to face their fears and take on new challenges, whether it’s trying out for a school play, standing up for a friend, or participating in a new activity.
Example Lesson: Creativity
Explanation: The children use creative problem-solving to handle the magical and mundane problems they encounter.
Real-World Application: This lesson shows children the value of thinking outside the box, which can be applied in creative writing assignments, art projects, or finding unique solutions to everyday problems.