#2 in The Magic Tree House Series
Carnival at Candlelight
What’s inside...
In 'Carnival at Candlelight', Jack and Annie travel to Venice, Italy where they must save the city from a disastrous flood. They are helped by a friendly magician who gives them a special glass goblet. As they journey through the city, they encounter the city's fascinating history, culture, and carnival celebrations.
Discussion points
What would you do if you had a chance to visit a magical carnival like Jack and Annie did?
How do you think the magic tree house chooses where and when Jack and Annie travel?
What are some ways that Jack and Annie showed courage in their adventures?
Can you think of a time when you helped someone, just like Jack and Annie helped at the carnival? How did it make you feel?
What lesson do you think Jack and Annie learned in 'Carnival at Candlelight?' What did you learn from it?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in the places Jack and Annie visit. Ask them to describe what they would see, hear, and feel.
Discuss the historical and geographical aspects of the story. For instance, explore what Venice is and its significance during the Renaissance.
Highlight moments of character strength, like bravery or kindness, and ask your child when they have shown or seen similar qualities.
After reading, ask your child to draw a scene from the book or create a small project based on the carnival theme to deepen their connection with the story.
Emphasize the importance of helping others and teamwork, as shown by Jack and Annie, by relating it to real-life situations your child might encounter.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of teamwork
Explanation: In 'Carnival at Candlelight,' the main characters, Jack and Annie, must work together to complete a mission in Venice. Their collaboration and combined efforts are essential for their success.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by understanding the value of cooperation with siblings, friends, and classmates to achieve common goals or solve problems.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of challenges
Explanation: Throughout the adventure, Jack and Annie face numerous unexpected challenges. They demonstrate resilience by adapting to changing circumstances and persevering through difficulties.
Real-World Application: This lesson can inspire children to remain determined and keep trying even when they encounter obstacles in schoolwork, sports, or other activities.
Example Lesson: Respect for different cultures
Explanation: The setting of the book in Venice during Carnival introduces readers to unique cultural aspects of the Venetian celebration. The characters show respect and curiosity about the traditions they encounter.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and respect cultural differences they meet in their community and the wider world, promoting inclusivity and cultural awareness.
Example Lesson: The power of knowledge
Explanation: Jack often uses his knowledge from the research book to guide their decisions and solve problems they face during their journey in Venice.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to see the value of reading and education, motivating them to learn and use their knowledge to navigate various situations.
Example Lesson: Imagination and creativity
Explanation: The magical elements of 'Carnival at Candlelight' stimulate the imagination. The characters use creativity to think of solutions and navigate through their adventure.
Real-World Application: Children can use this lesson to foster their own creativity in play, storytelling, or problem-solving, understanding that sometimes thinking 'outside the box' can lead to great solutions.