When The Luvenders Came To Merrick Town
#1 in Zentyre Series
on Goodreads (56)
What’s inside...
Solquest the zentyre magician and his henchmen, the luvenders, plot to steal the children of Merrick Town to use in a spell to preserve his eternal youth. The Luvenders are spirits in the service of Solquest, who has lost the secret of eternal youth and can only regain it by capturing 100 children. His plan is to mount an exhibition of beautiful old dolls in the pre-Christmas rush in Merrick town, steal real children, turn them into dolls, and replace them in their homes with living dolls.
Discussion points
How did you feel when the Luvenders arrived in Merrick Town, and why?
What do you think makes the Luvenders different from the townspeople?
Can you think of a time when someone new came to your school or neighborhood? How did you react?
Why is it important to be kind and welcoming to others, even if they seem different?
What do you think is the message of the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading: Change your tone and pace to match the emotions and events in the story. This makes the narrative more engaging and helps children grasp the emotional undertones.
Connect to personal experiences: Relate the story's themes to your child's life. Discuss times when they met someone new or felt different, drawing parallels to the story.
Ask follow-up questions: After your child responds to a question, ask them 'why' to encourage deeper thinking and understanding.
Highlight key moments: Point out critical moments in the story that showcase empathy, kindness, and acceptance. Discuss why these moments are significant.
Encourage empathy: Discuss how the characters might have felt during various parts of the story and why empathy is important in real life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Diversity
Explanation: The Luvenders, a unique family with distinct characteristics, bring a new dynamic to Merrick Town, teaching the townsfolk about acceptance and the beauty of diversity.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and accept the differences in the people they meet daily, fostering inclusivity and respect in their interactions.
Example Lesson: The Value of Kindness
Explanation: Throughout the story, acts of kindness from both the Luvenders and the townspeople lead to a strong, united community, demonstrating the power of kindness.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to act kindly towards others in their community, whether at school or in the neighborhood, creating a positive environment for everyone.
Example Lesson: Courage to Adapt to Change
Explanation: The residents of Merrick Town initially resist the changes brought by the Luvenders but eventually learn to adapt and embrace these changes.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the importance of being flexible and brave when faced with new situations or environments, helping them to grow and learn from these experiences.
Example Lesson: Collaboration Overcomes Challenges
Explanation: The town faces several challenges that they overcome by working together with the Luvenders, showing that collaboration is key to solving problems.
Real-World Application: Children can learn that working together with others, even if they are different, can help overcome obstacles in school projects or team sports.