Ogre Enchanted
Ella Enchanted Series
on Goodreads (6,309)
What’s inside...
In this prequel to Ella Enchanted, young healer Evie is transformed into an ogre by the fairy Lucinda and must find someone to propose to her within 62 days or remain an ogre forever. Returning to the world of Ella Enchanted, Gail Carson Levine tells the story of Evie, who loves healing people but must navigate the challenges of her new ogre form with the help of her friend Wormy. Despite her predicament, Evie is determined to defy expectations and find true love on her own terms.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
8-12
Length
352 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Evie
Wormy
Lucinda
Discussion points
How did Evie change throughout the story, and what do you think helped her grow?
What would you have done if you were in Evie's shoes when she was faced with challenges?
How do the decisions Evie makes impact the people around her?
What does the story teach us about friendship and trust?
Why is it important to think about the consequences of our choices, like Evie had to?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to put themselves in Evie’s shoes to deepen their understanding of her choices and challenges. Ask them how they feel about the decisions made by characters and why. Use examples from daily life to connect the themes of the book, such as friendship and responsibility, to your child’s experiences. After discussing each question, share your perspective to help build a two-way conversation that values both your insights.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of inner beauty
Explanation: In 'Ogre Enchanted', the protagonist, Evie, learns to look beyond superficial appearances and appreciate the true nature and character of those around her.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by valuing people for their kindness, honesty, and integrity rather than their external appearances.
Example Lesson: The value of self-sacrifice
Explanation: Evie demonstrates self-sacrifice when she considers the well-being of her friends and loved ones, often putting their needs before her own.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the importance of thinking about the impact of their actions on others and choosing to act in a way that benefits and protects those around them.
Example Lesson: The power of perseverance
Explanation: Throughout her challenges, Evie remains determined and doesn't give up, showcasing the strength of perseverance.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to persist in the face of challenges, understanding that steadfast effort and resilience can lead to overcoming obstacles and achieving goals.
Example Lesson: Consequences of decisions
Explanation: Evie’s transformation into an ogre serves as a narrative device that reflects the consequences of her initial refusal to marry, prompting readers to consider the outcomes of their choices.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to think critically about the possible consequences of their decisions and understand that choices often lead to significant outcomes.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: As Evie interacts with different characters, including ogres, she develops a deeper empathy and understanding towards individuals different from herself.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children to cultivate empathy by encouraging them to consider and respect different perspectives and experiences beyond their own.