Kenny & the Book of Beasts
#2 of 2 in Kenny & the Dragon Series
on Goodreads (337)
What’s inside...
In this highly anticipated sequel to New York Times bestselling and Caldecott Honor–winning author Tony DiTerlizzi’s Kenny and the Dragon, Kenny must cope with many changes in his life—including the fear that he’s losing his best friend. Time has passed since Kenny Rabbit’s last adventure with his best friend, the legendary dragon Grahame, and a lot has changed in the sleepy village of Roundbrook. Kenny has new siblings, his friends are at different schools, and Sir George is off adventuring. When Dante, a legendary manticore and an old friend of Grahame’s, arrives, Kenny feels left out as the old friends spend a lot of time together. However, a new adventure arises with a Witch to defeat, a pal to rescue, and a mysterious book to unlock, and Kenny realizes that such quests are meant for best friends, not just old friends.
Discussion points
How do you think Kenny felt when he met the Book of Beasts? What would you do if you were in his shoes?
What lessons do you think Kenny learns from his adventures? Can you think of a time when you learned something similar?
Which character in the book did you find most interesting, and why?
How do the beasts in the book help Kenny understand more about the world around him?
If you could ask one of the characters a question, what would it be and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate personal experiences to Kenny's adventures, enhancing their empathy and understanding of the character's emotions.
Discuss the importance of bravery and curiosity, as exhibited by Kenny, to help your child connect these traits to their own life.
Ask follow-up questions that require more than a yes or no response to help your child articulate their thoughts more clearly.
Explore the moral lessons in the story together, discussing what your child might have done differently in similar situations.
Use the illustrations in the book as conversation starters, asking your child to describe what they see and how it relates to the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in facing fears
Explanation: In 'Kenny & the Book of Beasts', Kenny must confront fearsome beasts and challenging situations, showcasing bravery and determination.
Real-World Application: Children learn to face their own fears, whether it’s trying out for a new sport or speaking in front of the class, emulating Kenny’s courage.
Example Lesson: Value of knowledge
Explanation: Kenny uses his knowledge and the information in the Book of Beasts to navigate through obstacles, demonstrating how knowledge can be a powerful tool.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to value their education and see learning as a way to solve problems and make informed decisions.
Example Lesson: Importance of friendship
Explanation: Throughout his journey, Kenny relies on his friends and values their support. This highlights the importance of teamwork and building strong relationships.
Real-World Application: Kids are reminded of the importance of forming and maintaining friendships and are encouraged to support and trust their friends in various situations.
Example Lesson: Resilience in adversity
Explanation: Kenny faces multiple setbacks but consistently perseveres, teaching the importance of resilience.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand that setbacks are a part of life and that persistence is key to overcoming difficulties.