Cinders and Sparks #2: Fairies in the Forest
#2 of 3 in Cinders & Sparks Series
What’s inside...
Cinders & Sparks is a fresh, funny, and fabulous take on Cinderella for everyone who loves series like Whatever After and Grimmtastic Girls. Cinders, her talking dog Sparks, and the hapless Hansel are on their way to Fairyland--but first they'll have to make it through the Deep Dark Forest, where they'll meet three bears, a multitude of adventures, and one woman called Rapunzel. Will Hansel eat the three bears' porridge? Will Sparks offer useless advice at every turn? Will Brian the fairy godmother appear and actually help for once? The answers are: yes, yes, and no. The second book in bestselling author Lindsey Kelk's ridiculously entertaining trilogy is filled with adventure, talking dogs, and pure comic silliness. Perfect for readers age 8-12.
Character compass
Cinder
Sparks
Fairy Godmother Brian
Discussion points
What do you think Cinders and Sparks could do to make the forest a better place for the fairies?
How would you feel if you met a fairy? What would you ask them?
Can you think of a time when you helped someone and it made you feel happy? How is that similar to Cinders and Sparks helping the fairies?
What do you think is the most important lesson Cinders and Sparks learned in the story?
If you could use magic to help someone, what would you do and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine the story's setting vividly, asking them to describe what they think the forest and the fairies look like.
As you discuss the questions, relate the story’s themes to real-life examples that are familiar to your child to deepen their understanding.
Ask your child how they would feel in the situations Cinders and Sparks face, fostering empathy and a personal connection to the narrative.
Celebrate creative answers your child gives to encourage their imagination and engagement with the story’s themes.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of Friendship
Explanation: Cinders and Sparks embarks on an adventure with her dog, meeting new fairy friends along the way. The story emphasizes how friendships can help overcome challenges.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of building and maintaining friendships, understanding how cooperation and support can help solve problems in their daily interactions.
Example Lesson: Courage to Explore New Things
Explanation: Throughout the forest adventure, Cinders and her companions encounter various unknowns and learn to navigate them bravely.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to embrace new experiences, whether trying a new sport or asking questions in class, helping them grow and learn confidently.
Example Lesson: Respecting Differences
Explanation: Cinders meets fairies who are different from her in many ways. The narrative fosters an understanding and appreciation for these differences.
Real-World Application: Children are reminded to respect and celebrate diversity among their peers, which is crucial for fostering inclusive environments at school and in their communities.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: The protagonist faces various challenges in the forest and uses wit and resources to solve them. This highlights the importance of thinking critically.
Real-World Application: Kids learn to apply critical thinking skills to overcome obstacles in their academic and personal lives, encouraging them to be resourceful and proactive.
Example Lesson: Appreciating Nature
Explanation: The enchanting forest setting and interaction with nature-centric fairies stress the beauty and importance of the natural world.
Real-World Application: This lesson imparts the importance of environmental stewardship, inspiring children to participate in outdoor activities and be mindful of their environmental impact.