The Queen in the Cave
#1 of 29 in Walker Studio Series
on Goodreads (726)
What’s inside...
It’s a story of three sisters who explore a nearby forest in pursuit of a dream. As they go deeper, the forest gets darker and its magical secrets come to life. Toads puff clouds of pink smoke and snails with rabbit masks slime by; the forest becomes a carnival, a festival, a parade, of giant drooping flowers and dark hanging vines—a fever dream of marching frogs and giant fish and an army of ants and cats, swarming under lilypads—where you can dance with a doppelgänger and hitch a ride on a rat. And everywhere, little flower-faced imps frolic, holding matches. Stunning, stylish and slightly psychedelic, The Queen in the Cave is a riot of a book packed with smart little details to pore over. It’s one for kids and grown-ups too, a riveting and atmospheric picture book that will surprise and enthral young readers and dreamers of all ages. In her debut as author-illustrator, Júlia Sardà spins an enthralling and evocative tale, rich with layers of meaning to be discovered. One night, Franca has a dream about a marvelous queen who lives in a dark cave, deep in the forest. She cannot sit still until she knows if her dream is true. So with her younger sisters, Carmela and Tomasina, Franca ventures into the forest at the end of their garden. As they travel deeper through nettles and thickets, drawing closer and closer to the cave, the world shifts, and everything shrinks and expands at the same time. Here, they meet beasts and creatures that shock and delight them, and they escape horrible things that frighten them. They learn to be brave, to be bold, to face their darkest fears. And what of the queen? Well, what they find in the cave is perhaps the most unexpected thing of all…In Júlia Sardà’s irresistible, mysterious modern fairy tale, each spread is a stunning and wildly imaginative set piece brought to life in sumptuous color and detail.
Discussion points
What do you think the cave represents in the story?
How do you feel about the Queen and what qualities does she have?
What did the characters learn about bravery and adventure?
How do the illustrations make you feel as you read through the book?
Why is it important to help and support your siblings or friends like the characters in the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing your own thoughts on the book’s themes and ask your child to do the same.
Encourage your child to describe their favorite part of the book and why it stood out to them.
Ask your child to think of a time when they were brave like the characters and share that experience.
While discussing, relate the story to real-life events or family experiences to deepen the connection.
Praise your child’s responses to foster a positive and open conversational flow.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of curiosity and exploration
Explanation: The story follows three sisters venturing into different magical worlds, which portrays the beauty of discovery and the value of curiosity.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to explore new subjects and activities, fostering a lifelong love for learning and discovery.
Example Lesson: Understanding and embracing differences
Explanation: Throughout their adventures, the sisters encounter various creatures and environments, illustrating how different perspectives and experiences enrich our lives.
Real-World Application: Teaches children to appreciate and respect people from different backgrounds and cultures, promoting inclusivity and empathy in daily interactions.
Example Lesson: The significance of courage in the face of the unknown
Explanation: As the sisters delve deeper into the unknown, their bravery highlights the importance of facing fears directly.
Real-World Application: Helps children understand the value of facing challenges head-on, whether it’s trying out for a school play, speaking up in class, or making new friends.
Example Lesson: The power of unity and teamwork
Explanation: The sisters need to collaborate to navigate through mystical lands, showcasing the strength found in working together.
Real-World Application: Encourages cooperation and teamwork among peers at school and in community activities, teaching kids that many goals are more easily achieved together.
Example Lesson: Resilience in overcoming obstacles
Explanation: Each challenge the sisters overcome on their journey teaches them and the reader about resilience and perseverance.
Real-World Application: Instills the importance of persistence in children when they face academic or personal challenges, helping them to not easily give up.