No Place Like Home
Ravens Pass Series
What’s inside...
The story follows Alex, a teenager who feels out of place in their bustling city life. An unexpected discovery leads Alex on a quest through realms of magic and mystery, where they meet allies and face challenges that teach them about courage, the importance of roots, and the strength of the bonds we create. As Alex unravels the secrets of their origin, they learn that sometimes, the journey back home is not just about the destination, but also about the lessons learned and the people who help us along the way. In another tale, Tom calls out 'Is anybody there?' as he searches for a tiny speck in a pile of trash. Inspecting a smelly sock, Tom is about to come across an unexpected discovery which will lead to a whole new adventure. Join Tom on his second adventure as he meets old and new friends and learns some tips and tricks to reading music.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-8
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What did you like most about the place the characters called home?
How did the characters feel when they were away from home?
What makes our home special to you?
Can you think of a time you helped someone feel more at home? What did you do?
How do you think the story would change if it was set in a different place?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, ask your child to describe what 'home' means to them, then compare their thoughts after finishing the book.
Use a world map or globe to locate the different places mentioned in the book, making the settings more tangible and engaging.
Encourage your child to draw their favorite scene from the book, deepening their connection with the story.
After discussing the questions, help your child write a short story or create a drawing about their ideal magical home.
Relate discussions to personal experiences, sharing stories of when you felt at home or faced challenges similar to the characters.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding and accepting differences
Explanation: The story portrays various animals living in different homes, showing children how diverse habitats suit different species.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children appreciate and respect the diverse backgrounds and lifestyles of the people around them.
Example Lesson: Empathy and kindness
Explanation: The narrative demonstrates how animals help each other in their unique habitats, emphasizing the importance of kindness and cooperation.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to extend empathy towards their peers and help others in their community, fostering a supportive environment.
Example Lesson: Importance of environmental conservation
Explanation: The book discusses the impact of environmental changes on animal homes, subtly educating about conservation.
Real-World Application: Kids are encouraged to partake in environmentally friendly practices like recycling and conserving water to protect natural habitats.
Example Lesson: Adaptability
Explanation: Characters in the book adjust to changes in their environments, teaching children the value of adapting to new situations.
Real-World Application: This can be applied in a child's life when facing new challenges such as moving to a new school or trying out a different activity.