The Winter King (The Magic Door, Book 2)
#2 of 2 in The Magic Door Series
on Goodreads (12)
What’s inside...
When Sarah sneaks aboard Old Man Winter's wagon and travels with him through the magic door to the Great Kettles, she must help him stop his power-hungry assistant from taking over the weather-making for his own purposes. An ice storm in the desert? A blizzard in Florida?! Everyone in the town of Old Bridgeport is wondering what in the world is causing such wacky weather. When Sarah finds a strange old man at The Magic Door Toyshop, she suddenly suspects it's someone from another world causing the chaos. Longing to return to the magical land of Great Kettles, Sarah is happy to help Old Man Winter retrieve the Weather Mill, which has fallen into the hands of a madman, but when Old Man Winter is kidnapped, Sarah, along with Jack Frost, must race against time to find him before both worlds suffer a horrible fate. Reprint.
Discussion points
Why do you think the Winter King wanted the magic door to be hidden?
How do you feel about Sammy's decision to help the Winter King, despite the risks involved?
What would you have done if you were in Sammy's place when he discovered the magic door?
What importance does friendship play in Sammy's adventures?
How does the snowy setting of the book affect the mood of the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to put themselves in Sammy's shoes, and ask them what they would do differently in various scenarios.
Draw comparisons between the fictional world and the real world to help the child connect the story to real-life situations.
Ask your child how the actions of characters might teach us about loyalty and courage.
Discuss the value of facing our fears, prompted by Sammy’s adventures.
Use descriptive scenes from the book to encourage your child to describe their own imaginary world, boosting their creativity and engagement.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage and resilience
Explanation: In 'The Winter King,' characters are faced with challenging and fearful situations, yet they demonstrate bravery and resilience to overcome obstacles.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to face their own fears and challenges with bravery, understanding that it's okay to feel scared but important to persevere.
Example Lesson: The power of friendship and teamwork
Explanation: The protagonists work together to solve problems, showcasing how collaboration and supporting each other are key to overcoming adversities.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of working together, helping friends in need, and the value of diverse talents within a team.
Example Lesson: Creativity and imagination
Explanation: The magical elements and fantastical settings in the book encourage readers to use their imagination and think creatively.
Real-World Application: Kids are inspired to engage in creative play and storytelling, enhancing cognitive development and problem-solving skills through imaginative thinking.
Example Lesson: Responsibility and decision-making
Explanation: Characters must make important decisions that affect not only themselves but also others around them, emphasizing the weight and impact of responsible decision-making.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of thinking about the consequences of their actions and making thoughtful decisions.
Example Lesson: Hope and positivity
Explanation: Despite the trials the characters face, a recurring theme is the maintenance of hope and a positive outlook, which ultimately leads them to success.
Real-World Application: This underscores for young readers the importance of remaining hopeful and positive even in difficult times, promoting resilience and a healthy mindset.