Thistle and the Shell of Laughter (The Fairy Chronicles #3) (Fairy Chronicles Series)
#3 of 5 in The Fairyland Series
What’s inside...
Thistle and her fairy friends, along with a leprechaun, a hedgehog, a witch, and other magical creatures, embark on a quest to retrieve the Shell of Laughter, which has been stolen by Killjoy Crosspatch, the Spirit of Sorrow. Their mission is to return the shell to its rightful place and restore laughter to the world. Along their journey, they encounter a wood gnome, unicorns, and a bobolink bird, and they learn what laughter is made of. FOR USE IN SCHOOLS AND LIBRARIES ONLY.
Character compass
Thistle
Firefly
Discussion points
What do you think made Thistle laugh the most in the story, and why do you think that is?
How do you think the Shell of Laughter affects the characters in the book? Can you think of a time when laughter affected you similarly?
Thistle has unique powers as a fairy. If you had fairy powers, what would they be and how would you use them to help others?
What lessons do you think we can learn from Thistle's adventure?
How do you think the story would change if it took place in our hometown?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story, validating their opinions to foster confidence.
Draw parallels between the themes of the book and real-life situations your child might encounter to deepen their understanding.
Use the discussion to explore the moral lessons of the book, such as the importance of laughter and kindness.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of teamwork
Explanation: In 'Thistle and the Shell of Laughter,' Thistle and her friends must work together to solve the magical challenges they face. Their success hinges on their ability to cooperate and value each other's unique abilities.
Real-World Application: Children learn that working with others, whether in school projects or sports, can help them achieve their goals and solve complex problems more efficiently.
Example Lesson: Valuing diversity
Explanation: Thistle's group of fairies is diverse, with each fairy possessing different skills and coming from different backgrounds. The story highlights how their differences enrich their experiences and solutions.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children to appreciate and embrace the differences among people in their community, understanding that everyone has something unique to contribute.
Example Lesson: The power of laughter and joy
Explanation: The fairies’ adventure shows that laughter and joy can be powerful tools to overcome obstacles and bring people together.
Real-World Application: Children learn that maintaining a positive attitude and sense of humor can help them handle life's challenges and improve their interactions with others.
Example Lesson: Responsibility for nature
Explanation: Throughout their journey, the fairies are tasked with protecting nature and its creatures, highlighting the importance of environmental stewardship.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be mindful of their environment, promoting activities like recycling, conserving water, and protecting wildlife.
Example Lesson: Courage to face fears
Explanation: As the fairies encounter various challenges, they learn to face their fears bravely, showing the importance of courage in overcoming difficulties.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to confront their own fears and understand that facing challenges can lead to growth and success.