The Unprecedented Discovery of the Dragon Islands
What’s inside...
In 1817 Lord Nathaniel Parker set sail on a scientific voyage to Oceania to observe new species of plants and animals. After many weeks, his ship was blown into uncharted waters in the Pacific. This is his journal recounting what he discovered. A journal of Lord Nathaniel Parker's discovery of the Dragon Islands, reputedly home to fire-breathing dragons, sea monsters, unicorns and griffins.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-12
Length
48 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What did you think about the way the characters reacted when they first discovered the Dragon Islands?
Why do you think the dragons were hiding? What would you do if you were one of the dragons?
How did the relationship between the explorers and the dragons change throughout the story?
What was the most important lesson learned by the characters in the book?
If you could visit the Dragon Islands, what would you want to see or do there?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing your own thoughts on the book's themes to encourage open dialogue.
Ask your child to describe their favorite part of the book and why it stood out to them.
Connect the story to your child’s real-life experiences or feelings to deepen understanding.
Encourage your child to draw or act out different scenes from the book to foster creativity and deeper engagement with the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage and Adventure
Explanation: In 'The Unprecedented Discovery of the Dragon Islands,' the protagonist overcomes fears to explore unknown territories, showing resilience and bravery.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of stepping out of their comfort zones to discover new experiences, encouraging them to embrace challenges in learning and social interactions.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Collaboration
Explanation: The characters work together to navigate the Dragon Islands, demonstrating the power of collaboration and mutual support.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the value of working with others to achieve common goals, promoting cooperative play and group projects at school.
Example Lesson: Respect for Nature
Explanation: Throughout their journey, the characters learn to respect and protect the natural environment of the Dragon Islands, highlighting environmental stewardship.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to care for their surroundings and understand the impact of their actions on the environment, fostering eco-friendly behaviors.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Learning
Explanation: The book celebrates the joy of learning as the characters uncover the secrets of the islands, driven by curiosity and the desire to learn more.
Real-World Application: This stirs a love for learning in young readers, motivating them to ask questions and seek knowledge actively, both academically and in everyday life.
Example Lesson: Handling Disappointment
Explanation: Characters face setbacks during their expedition but learn to cope and persevere, teaching resilience.
Real-World Application: Helps children understand that disappointment is part of life and learning to overcome it is crucial for growth and success in real-world scenarios.