Inkspell (2020 reissue)
#2 in Tintenwelt Series
on Goodreads (131,967)
What’s inside...
Inkspell is the captivating sequel to Inkheart, where the story of Meggie, her father Mo, and their relationship with the magical book 'Inkheart' continues. This time, the characters find themselves navigating the boundaries between reality and the fantastical world within the book. As they delve deeper into the Inkworld, they face new challenges and adversaries, and the lines between fiction and reality become increasingly blurred. A year has passed since Meggie last thought of Inkheart, but not a day goes by without her thinking of the book whose characters became real. Dustfinger, the fire-eater, is desperate to return to the tale and finds a crooked storyteller with the ability to read him back. Dustfinger leaves his young apprentice Farid behind and plunges into the medieval world of his past. Distraught, Farid goes in search of Meggie, and before long, both are caught inside the book, too. The story evolves in unexpected ways, challenging them further.
Character compass
Meggie Folchart
Dustfinger
Mortimer Folchart
Resa Folchart
Farid
Fenoglio
Mortola
Adderhead
Basta
Elinor Loredan
Discussion points
What do you think motivated Dustfinger to return to the Inkworld, and how would you feel in his place?
How do the different settings in the book affect the characters’ actions and emotions? Can you relate any of their experiences to your own?
If you had the ability to read characters to life like Meggie, which character from any book would you choose and why?
What lessons do you think Mo wants Meggie to learn from his own actions and decisions throughout the story?
Discuss the concept of power as shown in the book. How do different characters handle power and responsibility?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their opinions by asking how they would feel or react in similar situations as the characters.
Link discussions to real-life events or personal experiences to make the themes more relatable and understandable.
Focus on understanding the character's motivations and actions, rather than just recalling plot points, to deepen comprehension and empathy.
Praise your child for insightful comments or unique perspectives to encourage ongoing participation and enthusiasm about reading discussions.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of teamwork
Explanation: Throughout the book, characters must collaborate to solve problems and overcome obstacles, demonstrating how working together can yield better results than working alone.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by participating in group activities at school or in sports, learning to value each other's strengths and contributions.
Example Lesson: The value of perseverance
Explanation: The protagonist faces numerous challenges but continues to strive towards their goals, teaching children the importance of persisting despite difficulties.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to not give up when faced with challenges in their studies, hobbies, or personal goals, cultivating resilience.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: Characters in the story learn to understand and empathize with others' feelings and viewpoints, which helps resolve conflicts.
Real-World Application: Children learn to empathize with peers and family members, improving their social interactions and emotional intelligence.
Example Lesson: Respect for diversity
Explanation: The book includes a range of characters from diverse backgrounds, promoting an understanding and appreciation of different cultures and perspectives.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to embrace and respect diverse cultures and perspectives they encounter in school and their community.