Leeva at Last
What’s inside...
A tale about a precocious girl named Leeva Spayce Thornblossom who, with the help of quirky friends, sets off to discover what people are truly for—fame, money, or something more. Her journey leads to a series of events that transform her community of Nutsmore forever. This humorous and absurdist tale is brought to life by award-winning author Sara Pennypacker and illustrator Matthew Cordell.
Age
8-12
Length
320 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Leeva felt when she faced challenges? Can you share a time when you felt the same?
What did Leeva do to overcome her obstacles? What would you have done in her place?
Leeva had many friends helping her throughout her journey. Who are your friends that help you, and how do they do it?
What was the most surprising part of the story for you, and why?
If you could change one thing in Leeva’s story, what would it be and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate personal experiences to those of Leeva, fostering empathy and deeper connection to the story.
Highlight Leeva's problem-solving skills and resilience. Discuss with your child how these qualities are important in real life.
Before turning the page to reveal new developments, pause and ask your child what they think might happen next, promoting critical thinking.
After reading the book, ask your child to draw their favorite scene or character. This can help them express their understanding and feelings about the story creatively.
Use affirming and open-ended questions that require more than a yes or no answer to encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings freely.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The Importance of Perseverance
Explanation: In the story, Leeva faces many challenges but she continues to try and solve problems, demonstrating the power of persistence.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to keep trying in the face of difficulties, whether it's solving a tough math problem or learning a new skill.
Example Lesson: Value of Friendship
Explanation: Leeva finds friends in unlikely places, showing children that friendship can come from understanding and accepting differences.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be open to forming friendships with peers who might be different from themselves.
Example Lesson: Importance of Creativity
Explanation: Leeva uses her imagination to navigate through her adventures, highlighting the significance of creative thinking.
Real-World Application: Kids are encouraged to use their imagination in problem-solving and expressing themselves creatively in arts or play.
Example Lesson: Learning from Mistakes
Explanation: Leeva makes mistakes throughout her journey, but she learns from them, which helps her grow.
Real-World Application: This teaches children that mistakes are a natural part of learning and can lead to better understanding and personal growth.
Example Lesson: Courage to Face the Unknown
Explanation: Leeva at Last shows courage when confronting new challenges, teaching children the importance of bravery when facing the unknown.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of stepping out of their comfort zones and embracing new experiences with courage.