Melusine: Hocus Pocus
#7 in Melusine Series
What’s inside...
Melusine is a sorcerer's apprentice, funny and dynamic, who does everything she can to become a powerful witch. Unfortunately, her tricks often backfire, involving pumpkins, monsters, a haunted castle, and prince charming. In this first volume, Melusine works as a nanny in a Transylvanian castle, facing challenges from the phantom lady of the house, her vampire husband, and a dim-witted Frankenstein-like footman.
Character compass
Mélusine
Cancrelune
Discussion points
What do you think Melusine learned about friendship throughout her magical adventures?
How did Melusine's choices impact the people around her in the story?
If you had magical powers like Melusine, what would you do with them and why?
What feelings did you experience while reading about Melusine’s adventures?
How do you think the story would change if you were a character in the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and opinions about the story, ensuring they feel heard and valued. Use the key questions to delve deeper into the narrative and explore the moral and ethical angles of Melusine's adventures. Discuss the consequences of the characters' actions, relating them to real-life scenarios to enhance understanding and empathy. Celebrate creative thinking by asking your child to imagine alternative endings or magical powers, fostering their creativity and critical thinking.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The value of teamwork
Explanation: In 'Melusine: Hocus Pocus', the titular witch often collaborates with her friends to solve magical dilemmas. This highlights how teamwork can yield better results than working alone.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this in school during group projects or in sports, learning to value each member's contribution and working cooperatively to achieve a common goal.
Example Lesson: Responsibility for one's actions
Explanation: Melusine’s spells sometimes go awry, teaching her to face the consequences of her magical mishaps. This aspect of the story emphasizes accountability.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to own up to their mistakes and understand that actions have consequences, whether it's apologizing for a mistake or working to correct a wrong.
Example Lesson: The importance of perseverance
Explanation: Throughout the story, Melusine encounters challenges in her magical endeavors, but she persists until she succeeds, showcasing determination.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to keep trying in the face of difficulties, whether it’s learning a new skill, or solving a complex puzzle.
Example Lesson: Creativity and problem-solving
Explanation: Melusine often uses her creativity to concoct unique spells and solutions, promoting out-of-the-box thinking.
Real-World Application: Children can be inspired to think creatively in their daily life, finding new ways to tackle homework or resolve disputes with friends.
Example Lesson: Understanding and accepting differences
Explanation: The magical world of Melusine is filled with diverse creatures, teaching the reader to appreciate and embrace differences among individuals.
Real-World Application: This can help children in appreciating diversity in their communities and fostering an inclusive environment at school or in playgroups.