Ember and the Island of Lost Creatures
#1 in TerraCore Adventures Series
on Goodreads (750)
What’s inside...
From Treasure in the Lake’s Jason Pamment comes a story of friendship and self-discovery, set in a beautifully illustrated world perfect for fans of Hilda and Over the Garden Wall. The story follows Ember, a tiny boy living in a city of giants, who struggles to fit in. His luck changes when he meets Lua, a kind sea turtle, who takes him across the ocean to a school for small creatures on a mysterious island. There, Ember faces new challenges including bizarre cave-dwellers, ferocious storms, and uninterested classmates. As he adapts to this strange new world, he finds himself at the center of a mystical mystery involving a monster threatening everything he loves. Despite initial appearances, Ember learns that friendship can come from the most unexpected places.
Character compass
Ember
Lua
Discussion points
How do you think Ember felt when she discovered the Island of Lost Creatures? What would you feel if you were in her place?
What do you think each creature on the island symbolizes or represents? Can you think of any traits they share with people you know?
What lessons did Ember learn during her adventures? Have you learned any similar lessons in your own experiences?
Why is it important to help others, like Ember helped the creatures? Can you think of a time you helped someone and how it made you feel?
If you could create your own magical creature, what powers would it have, and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Activate your child’s imagination by asking them to visualize and describe the island and its inhabitants before discussing the book’s events in detail.
Encourage empathy by discussing Ember's feelings and decisions throughout the book, relating them to your child's own experiences with new challenges or helping others.
Focus on the moral lessons of the story by discussing what Ember learns and how those lessons can be applied in everyday life.
Foster creativity by asking your child to draw their favorite scene or creature from the book, then discuss why they chose it and what it means in the story’s context.
Promote critical thinking by asking your child what they would have done differently than Ember in certain situations and why.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage and resilience
Explanation: Ember demonstrates courage as she embarks on a quest to find the Island of Lost Creatures, facing unknown challenges and overcoming fears to achieve her goal.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of facing their fears and persisting through challenges, whether it's trying out for a sports team, performing on stage, or standing up for what's right.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: Throughout her journey, Ember encounters creatures with unique problems and backgrounds. She listens and empathizes with their stories, which helps her to better assist them.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of listening to others and empathizing with their situations, fostering understanding and cooperation in school and playground settings.
Example Lesson: Importance of teamwork
Explanation: Ember learns that she needs the help of others to navigate the island and solve its mysteries. The book highlights how collaboration and leveraging individual strengths can lead to success.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to work cooperatively in group tasks and appreciate the diverse skills each member brings to a project, be it in academic settings or on sports teams.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: The protagonist, Ember, is faced with various puzzles and challenges that she must solve to progress in her adventure. These scenarios hone her critical thinking and decision-making abilities.
Real-World Application: Kids learn to approach problems systematically and think critically about possible solutions in their day-to-day challenges, such as resolving conflicts with friends or tackling difficult homework.
Example Lesson: Creativity and imagination
Explanation: The fantastical elements of the Island of Lost Creatures inspire awe and stimulate the imagination, as Ember interacts with magical beings and navigates mystical landscapes.
Real-World Application: This aspect of the book encourages children to use their imagination in play and creative pursuits, enriching their mental and emotional development through art, storytelling, or imaginative play.