#1 in The Land of Stories Series
The Wishing Spell
2012 by
on Goodreads (147,151)
What’s inside...
The book follows twins Alex and Conner Bailey who are transported into a magic book where the classic fairy tales have come to life. They embark on a quest to gather items for a 'Wishing Spell' that will allow them to return home.
Why read this book
- Adventure blends classic fairy tales with modern twists.
- Encourages creativity and reinforces the value of perseverance.
- Features strong, positive role models for young readers.
- Supports vocabulary development and comprehension skills.
The Big Picture
- Teaches resilience through characters' challenges.
- Highlights importance of choices and consequences.
- Encourages teamwork and friendship in adversity.
Diversity & Representation
- Diverse characters foster inclusivity and empathy in young readers.
- Representation spans different cultures, encouraging global awareness.
- Promotes acceptance and understanding through varied character backgrounds.
Book in series
#1
Age
8-11
Length
438 pages
Text complexity
intermediate
Character Compass
Discussion points
What would you wish for if you had the Wishing Spell, and why?
How do Alex and Conner's adventures change the way they view their own world?
What does the idea of teamwork look like in the story, and can you think of a time teamwork helped you in real life?
Which character did you relate to the most and what did you learn from their actions?
How can we use the lessons from the book to handle challenges in our own lives?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading each chapter, ask your child to predict what might happen next and discuss their thoughts.
Draw parallels between the adventures in the book and real-life situations your child might encounter, enhancing their connection with the story.
Encourage your child to describe their favorite part and share your own, creating a bond over shared storytelling.
Identify moral lessons in the book and ask your child how they could apply these lessons in their personal experiences.
What parents love
Magical journey that captivates and educates young minds.
Handles themes like courage and consequence with age-appropriate care.
Engaging and rich narrative; keeps my child reading eagerly.
Promotes critical thinking through clever plot and character challenges.
Key Lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of perseverance
Explanation: In 'The Wishing Spell,' the characters embark on a challenging journey to collect items for a magical spell. Despite numerous obstacles, they persevere and learn valuable lessons along the way.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by sticking with difficult tasks at school or in their personal lives, understanding that perseverance can lead to achieving their goals.
Example Lesson: The value of teamwork
Explanation: Throughout the story, the characters must work together to overcome challenges and solve puzzles. This collaboration is key to their success.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the importance of cooperating with others, whether on school projects, in sports, or in family activities, emphasizing that teamwork can lead to greater accomplishments.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding different perspectives
Explanation: As the protagonists interact with various characters from classic fairy tales, they learn about their diverse backgrounds and motivations, which teaches them empathy.
Real-World Application: Children learn to consider others' feelings and viewpoints, an essential skill in interacting respectfully and effectively with people from different walks of life.
Example Lesson: The consequences of choices
Explanation: The book highlights how the characters' decisions impact their adventures and the outcomes of their quests.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to think about the consequences of their actions and to make thoughtful decisions in their everyday interactions and choices.
Example Lesson: Courage in facing fears
Explanation: Characters in the book frequently face their fears to continue their quest, demonstrating bravery and courage.
Real-World Application: Children are inspired to face their own fears, whether it’s trying out for a team, standing up to a bully, or speaking out about their needs and desires.