Dragons at Crumbling Castle: And Other Stories
#1 in Children's Circle Stories Series
What’s inside...
Dragons have invaded Crumbling Castle, and all of King Arthur's knights are either on holiday or visiting their grannies. It's a disaster! Luckily, there's a spare suit of armour and a very small boy called Ralph who's willing to fill it. Together with Fortnight the Friday knight and Fossfiddle the wizard, Ralph sets out to defeat the fearsome fire-breathers. But there's a teeny weeny surprise in store. This never-before-published collection of fourteen funny and inventive tales by acclaimed author Sir Terry Pratchett features a memorable cast of inept wizards, sensible heroes, and unusually adventuresome tortoises. Including more than one hundred black-and-white illustrations, the appealingly designed book celebrates Pratchett’s inimitable wordplay and irreverent approach to the conventions of storytelling. These accessible and mischievous tales are an ideal introduction for young readers to this beloved author. Established fans of Pratchett’s work will savor the playful presentation of the themes and ideas that inform his best-selling novels.
Character compass
Ralphie
Discussion points
Which story in 'Dragons at Crumpling Castle’ was your favorite and why?
If you could be friends with one of the characters from the book, who would it be and what would you do together?
How do you think the dragon felt when the castle was crumbling? Can you think of a time when you felt the same way?
What lessons did the characters learn in the stories? Do any of these lessons apply to your own life?
If you could create your own magical creature to live in a castle, what would it be like and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think beyond the text by asking them about their favorite parts and characters. Use their responses as a springboard for deeper conversation about themes and personal experiences. Highlight connections between the characters' adventures and the child’s own life to make reading a more immersive and relatable experience. Lastly, be open to your child's interpretations and encourage them to imagine their own continuations or alternate endings to the stories.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of challenges
Explanation: In 'Dragons at Crumbling Castle,' characters often face daunting challenges but learn to muster courage to overcome them.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by confidently facing their own challenges, whether it’s trying out a new activity or standing up for what is right.
Example Lesson: Importance of teamwork
Explanation: The stories emphasize characters working together to solve problems, highlighting that collaboration can lead to success.
Real-World Application: This lesson is crucial for children during group activities or school projects, teaching them the value of cooperation and collective problem-solving.
Example Lesson: Creativity as a problem-solving tool
Explanation: Characters often use creative solutions to navigate tricky situations, demonstrating that thinking outside the box can be advantageous.
Real-World Application: Kids can be encouraged to use their imagination in real-life situations, be it in creating art, resolving conflicts, or innovating in play.
Example Lesson: Learning from mistakes
Explanation: Throughout the book, characters make mistakes but learn valuable lessons from them, showcasing growth and resilience.
Real-World Application: This teaches children that errors are part of learning processes, encouraging them to embrace mistakes as opportunities for growth rather than fearing failures.
Example Lesson: Responsibility and leadership
Explanation: Several stories depict characters taking on leadership roles and handling responsibilities, demonstrating the attributes of a good leader.
Real-World Application: Children can apply these concepts by taking initiative in their duties, be it at home with chores or in school by participating in leadership roles.