Lucie Babbidge's House
Avon Camelot Book S. Series
on Goodreads (212)
What’s inside...
Having found a dollhouse full of dolls in the orphanage where she leads an unhappy existence, Lucie creates a secret life for herself.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
9-12
Length
160 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did Lucie's feelings change throughout the story, and what caused those changes?
If you were Lucie, how would you have reacted to finding the magical house?
What do you think the house represents in the story, and why is it important to Lucie?
How do the characters in the story demonstrate courage or kindness?
What can we learn from Lucie's adventures about dealing with our own fears and challenges?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child's imagination by asking them to describe their own 'magical house'—what it would look like and what magical things would happen there.
Discuss the feelings and motivations behind the characters' actions, helping your child connect emotionally with the story.
Ask your child to predict what might happen next at various points in the story to engage their analytical thinking.
After reading, encourage your child to draw a scene from the book, focusing on a moment that particularly stood out to them.
Use the themes of the book, such as courage and facing fears, as a starting point for discussing personal experiences and feelings.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: Lucie Babbidge encounters numerous challenges after inheriting her uncle’s house, demonstrating her ability to adapt and persevere.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of facing difficulties head-on and finding solutions, a skill crucial in overcoming everyday obstacles.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: Throughout the book, Lucie uses her wits and resources to solve the problems she faces, highlighting the importance of critical thinking.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to think critically and creatively when encountering problems at school or in social settings.
Example Lesson: Importance of friendship
Explanation: As Lucie navigates her new circumstances, she forms meaningful relationships that help her cope with changes and challenges.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of building and maintaining friendships, which provide emotional support and enrich their lives.
Example Lesson: Courage to face the unknown
Explanation: Lucie’s journey requires her to step into unfamiliar situations, teaching her to be brave and open to new experiences.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to embrace new experiences at school or in extracurricular activities, fostering growth and confidence.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: Lucie learns to understand and share the feelings of others, especially when interacting with the eccentric characters in her uncle's neighborhood.
Real-World Application: Helps children develop the ability to empathize with peers and understand diverse perspectives, enhancing their social interactions and emotional intelligence.