Frances and the Werewolves of the Black Forest
#2 in Frances and the Monsters series
on Goodreads (29)
What’s inside...
Frances and the Werewolves of the Black Forest follows the story of Frances, a child genius and budding inventor whose first big experiment nearly destroyed her town. After being invited to a prestigious symposium, Frances hopes for redemption, but her train is hijacked and she flees with her friend Luca into the Black Forest. There, amidst orphans who teach her the rules of survival, Frances encounters terrifying creatures with glowing eyes and sharp teeth. Determined to stop the evil forces using her scientific discoveries, Frances, Luca, and the orphans must confront horrors more frightening than they could imagine. This historical fantasy, filled with friendship, humor, and daring deeds, is perfect for fans of Serafina and the Black Cloak and Greenglass House.
Discussion points
How do you think Frances felt when she first encountered the werewolves, and what would you do in her situation?
What do you think the werewolves represent in the story? Are they just scary creatures, or do they symbolize something else?
Frances shows a lot of courage throughout her adventures. Can you think of a time when you were brave like her?
What lesson did Frances learn by the end of the book, and what have you learned from her story?
If you could ask any character in the book a question, who and what would you ask?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading to bring scenes vividly to life, altering your tone and pace to match the mood of the story. This keeps children engaged and helps them grasp the emotional nuances.
After reading, connect the story to your child's experiences by discussing similar emotions or situations they've faced, helping them relate personally to Frances's journey.
Encourage your child to imagine alternative endings or different choices the characters could make, enhancing their creative and critical thinking skills.
Pause at suspenseful moments in the story to predict what might happen next, fostering a sense of anticipation and engagement with the plot development.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of fear
Explanation: Frances demonstrates bravery as she navigates through the Black Forest, confronting werewolves and other mythical creatures.
Real-World Application: Children learn that courage isn’t the absence of fear, but the ability to face it. This helps them tackle new challenges at school or in social situations.
Example Lesson: The importance of friendship
Explanation: Throughout her journey, Frances relies on her friends who support and protect each other from dangers, showing the power of teamwork.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of building strong relationships and working collaboratively to overcome obstacles.
Example Lesson: Resilience during adversity
Explanation: Frances encounters various setbacks in the forest, but her determination and resilience push her to move forward and not give up.
Real-World Application: Kids learn to persist in the face of challenges, understanding that setbacks are part of learning and growth.
Example Lesson: Respect for nature
Explanation: The narrative beautifully illustrates the balance between humans and the natural world, as Frances learns to navigate through the forest respectfully.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to respect and appreciate nature, promoting environmentally responsible behaviors.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: Frances uses her wits and the resources available to solve puzzles and problems that arise, demonstrating critical thinking.
Real-World Application: This element encourages children to think creatively and apply logical reasoning in their everyday tasks and schoolwork.