Cece Rios and the King of Fears
#2 of 3 in Cece Rios Series
on Goodreads (265)
What’s inside...
In this thrilling sequel to the middle grade fantasy adventure Cece Rios and the Desert of Souls, Cece Rios and her sister Juana embark on a journey to Devils Alley to challenge the criatura king El Cucuy and reclaim part of Juana's soul. Cece, using her new curandera abilities, and Juana, determined to restore her soul and get revenge on El Sombrern, face the sinister El Cucuy who craves Cece's powers for his dark purposes. Joined by their criatura allies Coyote and Little Lion, the Rios sisters must uncover El Cucuy's secrets and confront the forces of Devils Alley to save Juana's soul. This award-winning series is perfect for fans of Aru Shah and the End of Time and Amari and the Night Brothers.
Character compass
Cece Rios
Coyote
Juana Rios
The King Of Fears
Discussion points
How do you think Cece felt when she decided to face her fears and enter the world of spirits to save her sister? What would you do if you were in her shoes?
What does bravery mean to you? Can you think of a time when you had to be brave like Cece?
Cece encounters many creatures in the spirit world. Which creature was the most interesting to you, and why?
The theme of family is strong in this book. How does Cece’s relationship with her sister influence her decisions? How important is your family in your decision-making?
What did you learn about the power of resilience and courage from Cece’s journey?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story, relating it to their own experiences. Ask open-ended questions that promote critical thinking and personal connection to the themes. Share your interpretations of the book’s messages to model thoughtful reading and analysis. Discuss the cultural elements in the book to broaden their understanding of different perspectives. Foster a space where they can explore complex emotions like fear and bravery.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of fear
Explanation: Cece Rios demonstrates bravery as she confronts supernatural threats to save her sister, showcasing that courage isn't about the absence of fear, but facing it head-on.
Real-World Application: Children learn that being brave means taking action despite feeling scared, whether it’s standing up to a bully, trying out for a new sport, or speaking in front of a class.
Example Lesson: The power of empathy
Explanation: Throughout her journey, Cece understands and connects with various creatures, highlighting the importance of empathy towards those who are different.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children grasp the significance of understanding others' feelings and perspectives, fostering better relationships at home, in school, and in play.
Example Lesson: Importance of resilience
Explanation: Cece’s continuous efforts to overcome obstacles and setbacks throughout the story exemplify resilience.
Real-World Application: Kids learn the value of persistence and bouncing back after a failure, which is crucial for their academic and personal growth.
Example Lesson: Value of family and community
Explanation: The protagonist's dedication to her sister and her interactions with the community illustrate the strength found in familial and communal bonds.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to appreciate and rely on their family and community, understanding that these relationships provide support and strength.