Elizabeth and Zenobia
What’s inside...
Abandoned by her mother and neglected by her scientist father, timid Elizabeth Murmur has only her fearless friend, Zenobia, for company. Zenobia’s company can be very trying! When Elizabeth’s father takes them to live in his family home, Witheringe House, Zenobia becomes obsessed with finding a ghost in the creepy old mansion and forces Elizabeth to hold séances and wander the rooms at night. With Zenobia’s constant pushing, Elizabeth investigates the history of the house and learns that it does hold a terrible secret: Her father’s younger sister disappeared from the grounds without a trace years ago.
Age
9-13
Length
240 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Elizabeth
Elizabeth'S Mother
Zenobia
Discussion points
What do you think motivated Elizabeth to explore the manor despite her fears?
How do the plants in the book seem to have their own personality? What does that say about nature in Elizabeth's world?
Zenobia loves the supernatural and the mysterious—why do you think she's drawn to these elements? Do you ever feel the same way?
Can you relate to the feeling of loneliness that Elizabeth experiences? How does she try to overcome it?
What does the story tell us about the importance of facing our fears and standing up for what's important?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading to highlight the mystical elements of the story, which can help capture your child’s imagination.
Ask your child to predict what might happen next at various points in the book. This keeps them engaged and thinking critically about the story.
Discuss the historical setting of the book and how it influences the characters' decisions and lifestyles, providing a deeper understanding of the context.
Encourage your child to draw parallels between the adventures of Elizabeth and their own experiences of exploring new situations or places.
After reading, encourage your child to create a diary entry or a drawing from the perspective of Elizabeth or Zenobia. This helps deepen their connection to the characters and themes.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in facing fears
Explanation: Elizabeth, despite feeling timid, confronts the mysterious and supernatural elements within her new home, Witheringe House, alongside her bold friend, Zenobia.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of facing fears and understand that bravery is not the absence of fear, but the ability to act despite it. This can help them tackle new challenges at school or in social settings.
Example Lesson: Value of friendship
Explanation: The friendship between Elizabeth and Zenobia provides support and strength as they explore and solve the mysteries they encounter.
Real-World Application: This lesson highlights the importance of companionship, showing kids the benefits of working together and supporting one another in facing day-to-day challenges.
Example Lesson: Acceptance of change
Explanation: Elizabeth learns to adapt to her new life at the eerie Witheringe House, facing many unknowns and evolving through the experiences.
Real-World Application: Children learn that change is a constant part of life and that adapting to new environments or situations can lead to personal growth and new opportunities.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and inquisitiveness
Explanation: Zenobia's curious nature drives much of the story's adventure, influencing Elizabeth to engage more deeply with the mysteries they encounter.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to ask questions and explore the world around them, which can enhance their learning both academically and socially.