The Secret of the Moonshard
What’s inside...
The thrilling new magical adventure from Branford Boase winner Struan Murray. Domino has lived her whole life believing that just one drop of magic could kill her. Held in a floating laboratory by scheming Science Barons, she has never known a single day of freedom.
When Domino d...
Why read this book
- Captivating adventure enriches imagination.
- Supports emotional development through relatable characters.
- Encourages critical thinking and problem-solving.
- Interactive, engaging narrative for young readers.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
0-12
Length
24 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think is the biggest secret of the Moonshard and why?
How did the characters' relationships change throughout the story?
If you were in the story, how would you help the characters solve their problems?
What lessons did the characters learn by the end of the book?
Which part of the story was the most exciting for you and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing your own thoughts about the book to encourage open dialogue.
Ask your child how they felt about the characters and their decisions, rather than just about the plot.
Relate the challenges faced by the characters to real-life situations your child might encounter.
Encourage your child to draw or write about their favorite scene to deepen understanding.
Praise your child’s responses and insights, promoting confidence in expressing their thoughts.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of courage and bravery
Explanation: In 'The Secret of the Moonshard', the protagonist faces numerous challenges and threats but consistently demonstrates courage in the face of danger, making tough decisions that ultimately lead to positive outcomes.
Real-World Application: Children learn that being brave can help them to overcome obstacles and fears in their own lives, whether it's trying out for a sports team, standing up to a bully, or facing a difficult test at school.
Example Lesson: The value of friendship and teamwork
Explanation: Throughout the book, the characters learn to work together despite their differences and realize that collaboration often leads to success where going alone might lead to failure.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the importance of cooperation and how building strong relationships can help to solve problems and achieve common goals, both in school projects and in play.
Example Lesson: Embracing diversity
Explanation: The characters in 'The Secret of the Moonshard' come from various backgrounds and have different skills, which enriches their group dynamic and aids them in their quest.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate the diversity in their own communities and understand that everyone has unique qualities that can contribute positively to collective endeavors.
Example Lesson: Perseverance in the face of adversity
Explanation: The protagonist and their friends encounter numerous setbacks throughout their journey, but they persist and do not give up on their goals, showing resilience.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of persistence and not being discouraged by failure, encouraging them to keep trying in their academics, hobbies, and personal challenges even when it seems difficult.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving and critical thinking
Explanation: The book features complex puzzles and mysteries that the characters must solve to progress in their journey, requiring them to think critically and creatively.
Real-World Application: Children learn that thinking problems through and approaching them from different angles can lead to solutions in real-world scenarios, such as resolving conflicts with friends or tackling challenging school assignments.