Leonora Bolt: Secret Inventor
#1 in Leonora Bolt: Secret Inventor Series
What’s inside...
'Fizzing with fun, friendship and fabulous inventions!' - Maria Kuzniar
WARNING: EPIC INVENTIONS AND SECRET SOCIETIES AHEAD . . .
Leonora Bolt spends her days creating incredible inventions in her TOP SECRET laboratory, under the watchful eye of her terrifying uncle.
Everything changes one day when a strange boy washes up on an inflatable lobster and reveals that Uncle Luther has been stealing her inventions and selling them on the mainland. Leonora, armed with her most important inventions, must leave Crabby Island for the first time EVER to embark on an unforgettable journey that will test her brainpower to its limits.
With the help of an otter with a special skilll, a questionable cook and a singing sea captain, can Leonora dream up an invention that will defeat her evil uncle once and for all?
Violet Baudelaire meets Peanut Jones in this epic STEM-themed adventure about believing in your brainpower - and yourself!
Why read this book
- Sparks creativity with inventive protagonist, Leonora.
- Encourages exploration of science and engineering concepts.
- Builds resilience through problem-solving adventures.
- Engages kids with humor and captivating illustrations.
Discussion points
What do you think makes Leonora Bolt such a great inventor?
How do you feel when Leonora overcomes a challenge? Can you relate to her emotions?
Why is creativity important, and how does Leonora use it to solve problems?
If you were Leonora, what invention would you create to help your friends or family?
How do Leonora's friendships change throughout the story? What does that teach us about relationships?
Tip: Role play these questions
When discussing the book, use open body language and maintain eye contact to create a comfortable sharing environment.
Praise your child for imaginative responses to encourage their creative thinking.
Relate the story to real-life scenarios to help your child connect with the themes of creativity and perseverance.
Ask your child to draw or build their invention inspired by Leonora Bolt, then discuss how it works and how it could be useful.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Innovation and creativity
Explanation: Leonora Bolt, the protagonist, uses her inventing skills to solve problems and overcome obstacles. Her creativity is showcased through her unique inventions and problem-solving methods.
Real-World Application: Children can apply creative thinking to their everyday problems, understanding that there are multiple ways to tackle a challenge. Encourages them to experiment and innovate in their play and learning activities.
Example Lesson: Resilience and perseverance
Explanation: Throughout the story, Leonora faces numerous setbacks but consistently demonstrates resilience by pushing forward. Her perseverance in overcoming challenges is a central theme.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of persistence when facing difficulties in school or in their personal lives, and instills the value of not giving up despite failures.
Example Lesson: Value of friendship
Explanation: Leonora's relationships with other characters highlight the importance of friendship, trust, and cooperation, helping her navigate through her adventures.
Real-World Application: Children learn to value and nurture friendships and understand how cooperation and teamwork can solve problems more effectively than working alone.
Example Lesson: Responsibility and decision-making
Explanation: Leonora takes ownership of her actions and decisions throughout the book, showing the repercussions of decisions and the importance of thinking before acting.
Real-World Application: It instills a sense of responsibility in children, helping them to make thoughtful decisions and understand the consequences of their actions in real life situations.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and learning
Explanation: Leonora’s journey is driven by her curiosity and desire to learn more about the world around her, which fuels her inventive pursuits.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to stay curious and actively seek knowledge, understanding that learning is a continuous and dynamic process that extends beyond formal education.