Long Live the Pumpkin Queen
#1 in Pumpkin Queen Series
on Goodreads (24,971)
What’s inside...
Sally Skellington becomes the Pumpkin Queen after marrying Jack, but struggles with her new role as Queen of Halloween Town. When she and Zero discover a hidden doorway to Dream Town, they inadvertently trigger sinister events that threaten both her position and the town's future. Sally must confront what it means to be true to herself in order to save Halloween Town.
Discussion points
How do you think Sally felt when she took on her new role as the Pumpkin Queen? What emotions would you feel in a similar situation?
What are some of the challenges Sally faces in the story? How does she overcome them?
How do the relationships between characters change throughout the book? What do you think caused these changes?
What lessons can we learn from Sally's journey about leadership and responsibility?
If you were a character in the book, what advice would you give Sally?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by asking your child to summarize the book in their own words, which helps gauge their comprehension and recall.
Encourage your child to relate the story to their own experiences, which can deepen their understanding of the book’s themes.
Use the questions to guide a conversation, but allow your child to express any other thoughts or emotions that the story sparks.
Discuss the moral lessons in the book and how they can be applied in real-world scenarios, which promotes values education.
Compliment your child’s insights and responses to encourage further participation and discussion.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing uniqueness
Explanation: The protagonist's journey highlights the importance of valuing one's individuality and distinctive traits.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate their own unique qualities and those of others, promoting self-esteem and inclusivity.
Example Lesson: Courage in facing fears
Explanation: Challenges faced by the characters in the story demonstrate the importance of confronting and overcoming personal fears.
Real-World Application: This lesson can encourage children to tackle their own fears, whether it's trying new activities or standing up in class.
Example Lesson: The importance of responsibility
Explanation: The protagonist's role in their community teaches children about the responsibilities that come with various roles in life.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this understanding by taking on small responsibilities at home or school, learning the value of dependability and accountability.
Example Lesson: Value of perseverance
Explanation: Throughout the book, characters persist through difficulties, showing the importance of not giving up despite challenges.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to continue working towards their goals, whether in academics, sports, or personal hobbies, even when it gets tough.