Nico Bravo and the Trial of Vulcan
#3 of 3 in Nico Bravo Series
What’s inside...
All our favorite ancient myths and legends get an epic makeover in the third volume of Mike Cavallaro's hilarious graphic novel series! Got a problem? The seasoned staff at Vulcan's Celestial Supply Shop—a kid named Nico Bravo, a sphinx named Lula, and a unicorn named Buck—have got just the thing in their inventory of magical merchandise. Vulcan is on trial, accused by the evil Ahriman of breaking the Cosmic Rule—interfering in the plans of a fellow god! His only hope is finding five powerful artifacts scattered across the globe. But is there more to this quest than meets the eye?
Character compass
Nico Bravo
Buck
Lulu The Sphinx
Vulcan
Discussion points
What did you think about Nico Bravo's decision at the climax of the story? What would you have done in his place?
How do the mythical characters in the book differ from their traditional stories? Which adaptation did you find most interesting?
What role does friendship play in Nico’s adventures? Can you share a personal experience where a friend helped you in a challenging situation?
Vulcan faces several trials in the story. What does he learn about himself and others through these challenges?
How does the setting of the mythical marketplace add to the story? Which magical item would you want to own from there and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Help your child connect personally with the story by asking them to relate the book's events with their real-life experiences.
Encourage critical thinking by discussing Nico’s decision-making and problem-solving skills within the story.
Explore the theme of friendship with your child by discussing how Nico and his friends work together, highlighting the value of teamwork.
Discuss the moral lessons learned by various characters, especially focusing on empathy, courage, and the importance of making wise choices.
Stimulate creativity by asking your child to imagine their own mythical character or artifact, and how it would interact within Nico’s world.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Value of Friendship
Explanation: In 'Nico Bravo and the Trial of Vulcan,' Nico and his friends face various challenges, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and support among friends.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and rely on their friends, fostering stronger relationships and cooperative skills in school and other social settings.
Example Lesson: Courage to Face Challenges
Explanation: The protagonist, Nico, encounters mythical creatures and daunting tasks, demonstrating bravery in the face of adversity.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of facing fears and challenges head-on, helping them develop resilience and self-confidence.
Example Lesson: Understanding Differences
Explanation: Throughout the story, Nico interacts with characters from different mythologies, which promotes respect and understanding for diverse cultures and perspectives.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to embrace diversity and show respect towards people from various backgrounds in their own lives.
Example Lesson: Consequences of Actions
Explanation: The plot unfolds with various decisions made by Nico and their outcomes, highlighting the impact of one's choices.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand the importance of thinking before acting and the potential long-term effects of their decisions.
Example Lesson: Learning from Mistakes
Explanation: Nico makes mistakes throughout his journey, but he uses them as learning opportunities, which contributes to his growth.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to view their own mistakes as chances for learning and self-improvement, fostering a growth mindset.