The Seventh Swan
on Goodreads (153)
What’s inside...
The Seventh Swan is a retelling of the classic fairy tale The Wild Swans. It follows the story of Princess Eliza, who must save her six brothers from a curse that has turned them into swans. With the help of a magical shirt made from nettles, Eliza sets out on a quest to break the curse and restore her brothers to their human form. Along the way, she encounters challenges and obstacles, but ultimately triumphs through her bravery and determination. The background of this tale of adventure is set in 16th century Scotland, in the Highlands during the clan feuds and cattle-reiving days, with an undertone of witchcraft and sorcery. This story specifically focuses on the youngest brother, who was left with a swan's wing due to an unfinished magical shirt. It explores his struggles, the girl who risked her life to help him, a mercenary soldier who loved them both, and other exploits and battles. This edition was published as #3 in the MagicQuest series by Ace Books, a reissuing of classic young adult fantasy novels.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
12-15
Length
250 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the Seventh Swan learned by the end of his journey?
How did the characters' decisions affect the story's outcome?
Why is teamwork important in achieving goals, as shown in the book?
How would you have helped the Seventh Swan if you were a character in the book?
What lessons can we take from the challenges faced by the characters?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story, validating their opinions to build confidence.
Relate the themes of the book to your child’s personal experiences to help them connect more deeply with the material.
Ask follow-up questions based on your child’s responses to encourage critical thinking and deeper understanding.
Use expressions and voice modulations while discussing to make the conversation more engaging and lively.
Highlight the moral values and lessons from the story, discussing how they can be applied in real-life situations.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of resilience
Explanation: In 'The Seventh Swan,' the protagonists face numerous challenges which they overcome through perseverance and resilience, illustrating their growth and strength.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to embrace resilience in their own lives when faced with difficulties, understanding that persistence is key to overcoming obstacles.
Example Lesson: The value of loyalty and sacrifice
Explanation: The characters in the story often demonstrate loyalty to each other, making sacrifices which highlight the importance of supporting loved ones.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the significance of being loyal and the positive impact of making personal sacrifices for the greater good of others.
Example Lesson: Understanding and accepting differences
Explanation: Throughout the book, characters come from various backgrounds and possess different traits, promoting a theme of acceptance and understanding.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by embracing diversity in their communities and learning to appreciate what makes people unique.
Example Lesson: The power of love and forgiveness
Explanation: The narrative shows characters forgiving mistakes and showing unconditional love, which ultimately leads to healing and stronger relationships.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to practice forgiveness and show love in their interactions, fostering healthier and more supportive relationships.