The Secret Society Of Saint Nicholas
on Goodreads (11)
What’s inside...
This is a story for kids (and their parents) who are heartbroken by certain terrible information about Santa Claus. Think there's no more magic in the world? Oh, the truth is much more interesting. It's time to embrace a deeper magic.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-12
Length
48 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think is the most important quality of a member of The Secret Society of Saint Nicholas, and why?
How would you handle a situation where you had to keep a big secret to help others?
Why do you think teamwork is important in achieving goals, as shown in the book?
How did the characters change throughout the story, and what caused those changes?
What is one lesson you learned from the story that you would like to apply in your own life?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing your own thoughts on the book’s themes, such as the importance of kindness and secrecy, to encourage an open dialogue.
Ask your child to relate situations from the book to their own life experiences, which can help them connect with the themes more deeply.
Encourage your child to imagine alternative endings or plot twists in the story, which can stimulate their creativity and critical thinking.
Utilize the book’s illustrations to discuss the mood and setting, helping your child to visualize and understand the story’s context better.
After discussing the questions, engage in a related activity, such as creating secret kindness missions together, to bring the book's themes to life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of teamwork
Explanation: The characters in 'The Secret Society Of Saint Nicholas' collaborate to solve problems and achieve their goals, showcasing how working together can lead to success.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by participating in group activities at school or in sports, learning to cooperate and value each other’s strengths.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Throughout the book, characters are tasked with important missions, teaching them to take accountability and act with integrity.
Real-World Application: Kids can practice responsibility by completing their chores, homework, or taking care of a pet, understanding their role in family and school life.
Example Lesson: The power of kindness
Explanation: The story emphasizes the impact of kindness through the characters' interactions, where acts of goodwill lead to positive outcomes.
Real-World Application: Children can embrace kindness by helping a friend, sharing with siblings, or volunteering, thus improving their social interactions and emotional well-being.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of challenges
Explanation: Characters encounter numerous challenges but persevere, illustrating the value of resilience.
Real-World Application: This lesson equips children to navigate setbacks in their own lives, such as learning a new skill or dealing with school stress, encouraging a growth mindset.
Example Lesson: The joy of giving
Explanation: The book highlights the happiness derived from giving and sharing with others, rather than just receiving.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to find joy in giving by sharing their toys, participating in gift exchanges, or contributing to community drives, enhancing their emotional satisfaction.