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Gargantis: Legends of Eerie-on-Sea

#2 of 5 in The Legends of Eerie-on-Sea Series

4.19
on Goodreads (3,147)

What’s inside...

There's a storm raging in Eerie-on-Sea. Has the mighty Gargantis come back from the deep? When an ancient bottle is found washed up on the beach after a ferocious electrical storm, all the residents of Eerie-on-Sea seem to want it, but should they in fact fear it? Legend has it that the bottle contains an extraordinary secret that spells doom for the whole of Eerie-on-Sea. Could it be true that the vast sea creature Gargantis has awoken from her slumbers, and is causing the large cracks that are appearing all across the town? Finding themselves entrusted with the bottle, Herbie and Violet discover they will need to ride the terrible storm and pacify the creature if they want to save Eerie-on-Sea from sliding into the ocean and being lost for ever.
In series
Series reading

Sequential

Age

8-12

Length

336 pages

Text complexity

Character compass

Herbert Lemon
Violet Parma
Dr Thalassi
Lady Kraken
Deep Hood

Discussion points

What do you think makes Gargantis different from other sea creatures in the book?
How did Herbie's actions show bravery and friendship? Can you think of a time when you acted bravely?
What role does the setting of Eerie-on-Sea play in the story? How would the story change if it happened somewhere else?
What lessons do you think Violet learned during her adventures?
If you could talk to Gargantis, what would you ask him?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, give your child a brief overview of the seaside setting to help them visualize Eerie-on-Sea.
After a reading session, ask your child to recap the story in their own words to boost comprehension skills.
Encourage your child to draw their favorite scene. This not only deepens their connection to the story but also encourages artistic expression.
Have your child predict what might happen next in the story at various points to engage their critical thinking.
Link themes in the book, such as friendship and courage, to real-life situations your child might encounter to make the themes more relevant.

Key lessons

Example Lesson: Bravery in the face of uncertainty
Explanation: In 'Gargantis,' the protagonist faces numerous challenges and mysteries that test his courage. Despite the fears and unknowns, he chooses to confront these obstacles head-on.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of facing their fears and the value of bravery when encountering new or intimidating situations in everyday life.
Example Lesson: The power of teamwork
Explanation: The characters in 'Gargantis' must collaborate to solve the mysteries and overcome the challenges. The story demonstrates how working together can lead to success where going it alone might not.
Real-World Application: This lesson underlines the importance of cooperative efforts in school projects, sports, and family activities, showing children that teamwork can achieve greater outcomes.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and the pursuit of knowledge
Explanation: The young hero's quest is driven by curiosity and a desire to understand the unknown elements of Eerie-on-Sea, which leads to numerous discoveries throughout the book.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to ask questions and seek answers, enhancing their learning experience not only in academic settings but in everyday observations and interactions.
Example Lesson: Integrity and honesty
Explanation: Characters in the book face temptations to deceive or manipulate, but truth and integrity are shown to be essential for true resolution and harmony.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of being truthful and maintaining moral integrity, even when faced with difficult choices.
Example Lesson: Resilience in adverse situations
Explanation: Throughout 'Gargantis,' the characters encounter setbacks and must adapt their plans. Their resilience in the face of adversity is a key factor in their eventual success.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of bouncing back from setbacks and adapting to new challenges, a crucial skill in academics, personal development, and future workplaces.

Gargantis: Legends of Eerie-on-Sea by Thomas Taylor, Tom Booth