The Tunnels Below
What’s inside...
On her twelfth birthday, Cecilia unexpectedly finds herself lost in a labyrinth of tunnels beneath London. Armed with only a mysterious marble given to her by her sister, she begins her escape while dodging the tyrannical Corvus who rule the magical realm below. As Cecilia attempts to return to her family, she is drawn into a mission to help her new friends free their world from the Corvus' brutal reign. Her journey is filled with danger and adventure, and she must find the courage within herself to ensure she doesn't remain trapped in the darkness forever.
Age
9-12
Length
256 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think Cecilia felt when she found herself in the mysterious underground world?
How did the magical creatures in the tunnels challenge Cecilia's understanding of her world?
Why do you think teamwork was important for Cecilia and her new friends?
If you were Cecilia, what would you have done differently on your adventure?
How do the choices Cecilia makes influence the story's outcome?
Tip: Role play these questions
Create a comfortable reading environment that encourages open discussion and reflection on the story.
Encourage your child to express their feelings about Cecilia’s experiences and relate them to their own life.
Discuss the importance of courage and resourcefulness in overcoming unexpected challenges, drawing parallels to real-life situations.
Promote critical thinking by asking your child what they would have done in Cecilia's place at various points in the story.
Reinforce the value of friendship and teamwork as depicted in the book, discussing real-life examples of successful collaboration.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience and perseverance
Explanation: Cecilia, the protagonist, faces numerous challenges in the fantastical underground world. Her determination to find her way back home showcases resilience.
Real-World Application: Children learn that facing difficulties with a positive attitude can help them overcome challenges in their own lives, such as dealing with schoolwork or making new friends.
Example Lesson: Importance of teamwork
Explanation: Throughout her journey, Cecilia learns to collaborate with the creatures she meets underground, understanding that teamwork can lead to achieving common goals.
Real-World Application: This story encourages children to appreciate the value of cooperating and working with others, be it during group projects at school or in team sports.
Example Lesson: Courage to face the unknown
Explanation: Cecilia bravely navigates a new and strange world, showing courage in the face of unfamiliar circumstances and creatures.
Real-World Application: It teaches children that stepping outside of their comfort zones can be rewarding and is an important part of growing up.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: As Cecilia encounters various obstacles in the tunnels, she uses critical thinking and cleverness to find solutions.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of thinking through problems and finding creative solutions, skills that are applicable in academic settings and personal life.