Cinders and Sparks #1: Magic at Midnight
#1 of 3 in Cinders & Sparks Series
What’s inside...
Cinders lives a mundane life with her selfish stepsisters and grumpy stepmother until her wishes start coming true and her dog starts talking. She then meets her fairy godmother, Brian, who is not very reliable, leading Cinders into a chaotic life full of surprises. This modern twist on the Cinderella story, 'Cinders & Sparks' by Lindsey Kelk, is perfect for readers over 7 who enjoy humorous and magical tales like Frozen and Shrek.
Discussion points
What do you think makes Cinders special? How do you think she feels about discovering her magical abilities?
If you had magic powers like Cinders, what would you do with them?
How do the other characters react to Cinders' magic? What does this tell us about friendship and acceptance?
What decision would you have made at the end of the story, and why?
How do you think the story would change if it was set in today's world?
Tip: Role play these questions
Create a welcoming and open atmosphere for discussion, showing genuine interest in your child's thoughts and feelings about the book. Use follow-up questions to dive deeper into your child's perspective, and share your interpretations to guide them through more complex themes. Lastly, relate the story's situations to real-life scenarios your child might encounter to help them connect with the lessons in the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Believing in oneself
Explanation: Cinders, the protagonist, demonstrates self-belief as she discovers her magic powers and decides to take control of her own destiny rather than fitting into the traditional Cinderella story.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to trust in their abilities and follow their own path, even if it deviates from expectations.
Example Lesson: Importance of kindness
Explanation: Throughout the book, Cinders shows kindness to others, including her dog Sparks and her new fairy godmother, which leads to positive outcomes and the forging of meaningful relationships.
Real-World Application: Teaches children that being kind to others can lead to positive relationships and opportunities in life.
Example Lesson: Value of friendships
Explanation: Cinders forms a bond with a new fairy godmother and other characters who help her navigate her new magical abilities. These friendships are crucial to her journey and success.
Real-World Application: Highlights the importance of support and collaboration, showing kids that friendships can provide encouragement and help overcome challenges.
Example Lesson: Courage to challenge norms
Explanation: Cinders challenges the conventional fairy tale narrative by choosing her own path rather than waiting for a prince to save her, showcasing bravery and independence.
Real-World Application: Empowers children to question societal norms and advocate for their own beliefs and choices.
Example Lesson: Creativity and imagination
Explanation: The magical elements and unique twists in the story stimulate creativity and imaginative thinking.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to think creatively and envision limitless possibilities in their own lives.