Cornelia and the Jungle Machine
on Goodreads (86)
What’s inside...
Cornelia and her parents move into a new house, and she discovers a hidden treehouse with a boy her own age. The boy introduces her to his inventions, including a magical jungle machine. Nora Brech's gothic illustrations enhance the story with imaginative details and perspectives, drawing the reader into a detailed, filmic world.
Discussion points
What do you think Cornelia felt when she first discovered the jungle machine?
How do you believe the jungle machine changed Cornelia's adventure?
What would you create if you had a jungle machine?
Why is friendship important in the adventures we choose?
How did Cornelia’s feelings change from the beginning to the end of the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Take time to pause at key moments in the story to explore your child’s perception and understanding of the events.
Encourage your child to imagine their own jungle machine. Ask them to describe or draw what it would look like and what it could do.
Discuss the theme of loneliness and friendship in the book. Relate it to your child’s experiences with making new friends or adapting to new places.
Ask your child to predict what could happen next at various points in the story to engage their imagination and anticipation.
After reading, spend some time reflecting with your child on how they might have felt in similar situations that Cornelia faced.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The power of imagination
Explanation: Cornelia discovers a mysterious machine in the jungle that creates fantastic worlds from her imagination. This sparks her exploration and creativity throughout the story.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by using their own imagination to explore and create new ideas, games, or stories, fostering creativity and problem-solving skills in real-life situations.
Example Lesson: The importance of friendship
Explanation: As Cornelia ventures through the jungle, she befriends a boy named Fredrik. Their shared adventures underscore the value of companionship and teamwork.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand the importance of building friendships and cooperating with others in school, sports, or extracurricular activities.
Example Lesson: Courage to explore the unknown
Explanation: Cornelia courageously explores new and unfamiliar parts of the jungle, learning to navigate challenges along the way.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to approach new experiences or environments with curiosity and bravery, whether it’s trying out a new sport, starting at a new school, or meeting new people.
Example Lesson: Appreciation for nature
Explanation: The story's lush jungle settings emphasize the beauty and wonder of natural environments, inspiring respect and appreciation for nature.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to take an interest in environmental preservation and enjoy outdoor activities while respecting the natural world.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: Cornelia faces several challenges and obstacles in the jungle but learns to overcome them through persistence and creative thinking.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the value of perseverance and resilience when facing difficulties in their own lives, such as learning new skills or dealing with personal challenges.