Night of Cake & Puppets: Daughter of Smoke & Bone
#1 of 3 in Daughter of Smoke & Bone Series
What’s inside...
In this stand-alone companion to the New York Times bestselling Daughter of Smoke & Bone series, Laini Taylor tells the story of Mik and Zuzana's magical first date. Despite her small stature, Zuzana is fierce and determined to make the first move on Mik, whom she affectionately refers to as 'Violin Boy.' She devises an elaborate treasure hunt that takes him all over Prague on a cold winter's night, ultimately leading him to the treasure: herself. The new print edition includes black and white illustrations and bonus content, making it a perfect addition for both new and existing fans of the series.
Character compass
Zuzana
Mik
Discussion points
What did you like most about Zuzana and Mik’s adventure and why?
How do you think Zuzana felt when she was planning her treasure hunt for Mik? Have you ever felt the same?
What do you think is the importance of being brave in friendships and relationships, as shown between Zuzana and Mik?
Mik and Zuzana use art and creativity in their nighttime adventure - how do you like to express your creativity?
If you could create a magical night like Zuzana, what special elements would you include?
Tip: Role play these questions
Create an atmosphere of curiosity by asking your child to predict what might happen next before finishing the story. Discuss their favorite characters, focusing on traits and decisions, and relate them to real-life scenarios your child might face, emphasizing empathy and creativity. Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story, validating their responses to foster confidence. Lastly, connect themes from the book, like bravery and creativity, to your child’s experiences to deepen their understanding and personal connection to the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of kindness and empathy
Explanation: In the book, the characters exhibit kindness towards each other, which helps in building strong, empathetic relationships.
Real-World Application: Children can apply these values in their daily interactions with peers and adults, promoting a more understanding and supportive environment.
Example Lesson: Creativity and self-expression
Explanation: The protagonist uses creative means to express her feelings, showcasing the power and beauty of artistic expression.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to explore various forms of art to express themselves, be it through drawing, writing, or crafts, enhancing their emotional intelligence and problem-solving skills.
Example Lesson: The significance of friendship and teamwork
Explanation: Characters work together to overcome challenges, highlighting the importance of collaboration.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to cooperate with others and value different perspectives, which is crucial in group projects and communal activities.
Example Lesson: Courage to face the unknown
Explanation: The journey within the story involves facing unexpected challenges bravely.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the value of courage in their everyday lives, encouraging them to face new experiences and challenges head-on.
Example Lesson: Perseverance pays off
Explanation: Despite difficulties, the characters persist in their goals, ultimately leading to success.
Real-World Application: This lesson can motivate children to never give up, helping them to persist in their academic and personal pursuits no matter the obstacles.