Mystery Of The Painted Dragon
#3 of 4 in The Sinclair's Mysteries Series
on Goodreads (1,885)
What’s inside...
A fast-paced historical mystery adventure for readers aged 9+ years, with gorgeous Edwardian period detail. Perfect for fans of Chris Riddell's Goth Girl series, Enid Blyton, and Robin Stevens's Murder Most Unladylike series. When a priceless painting is stolen, our dauntless heroines Sophie and Lil find themselves faced with forgery, trickery, and deceit on all sides! Be amazed as the brave duo pit their wits against this perilous puzzle! Marvel at their cunning plan to unmask the villain and prove themselves detectives to be reckoned with - no matter what dangers lie ahead …It's their most perilous adventure yet!
Character compass
Sophie Taylor
Leonora Fitzgerald
Lil Rose
Discussion points
What do you think motivated Sophie and Lil to solve the mystery of the painted dragon?
How did the characters' collaboration help them solve the mystery? Can you think of a time when teamwork helped you?
What are some of the key clues that led Sophie and Lil to the solution? Were there any clues you noticed before the characters did?
How do the historical settings and details add to the story? Did you learn anything interesting about that time period?
If you were to create your own detective character, what qualities would they have and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the discussion by sharing your favorite part of the book. Ask your child about their favorite part and why it stood out to them.
Encourage your child to think about the emotions of different characters throughout the story. Discuss how understanding others' feelings can help in solving conflicts or mysteries in real life.
Connect the story's themes to your child's experiences, such as a time when they had to solve a problem or work together with friends.
Use historical aspects of the story to dive deeper into that era. Maybe look up additional information or images related to the time period to enhance understanding and engagement.
After discussing the book, encourage creative thinking by asking your child to imagine a continuation of the story or a new mystery for the characters to solve.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of teamwork
Explanation: In the story, the characters work together to solve the mystery of the missing painting, demonstrating that collaboration is key to overcoming challenges.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to cooperate with peers during group activities in school or in sports, understanding that teamwork can achieve greater results than working alone.
Example Lesson: Courage and perseverance
Explanation: The protagonist, Sophie, shows bravery and persistence throughout her quest, teaching young readers that facing fears and not giving up despite difficulties is crucial.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to tackle challenges, whether trying out for a school play, dealing with difficult subjects, or standing up for what is right.
Example Lesson: Attention to detail
Explanation: The mystery unfolds as characters pay close attention to small details that lead to solving the crime, highlighting the importance of observation and diligence.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to be more observant and detail-oriented in their daily life, which can help in their academic and social development.
Example Lesson: The value of art and culture
Explanation: The plot revolves around an art theft, which brings attention to the significance of preserving heritage and cultural artifacts.
Real-World Application: This lesson can spark an interest in arts and history among children, encouraging visits to museums, reading about different cultures, and expressing themselves through various art forms.