Otherland
#1 in Otherland Series
What’s inside...
Otherland is a dangerous magical underworld – a place where appearances can be deceiving and anything can happen. A world of gods, vampires, and fairies. It’s also… horrible. When life-long friends Myra and Rohan discover that Rohan’s baby sister Shilpa has been stolen and taken to Otherland, the only way to rescue her is by taking part in a deadly game – three impossible challenges set by the Fairy Queen of Otherland. Win the game, and Rohan and Myra can go home with Shilpa – but lose, and they’ll be trapped in Otherland forever. A darkly funny, action-packed fantasy adventure, perfect for fans of Malamander, Stranger Things, Coraline and Pan’s Labyrinth, from the author of the highly-acclaimed Dragon in the Library series.
Character compass
Myra
Rohan
Discussion points
How do you think Mia felt when she discovered the secret world of Otherland? Can you relate to her feelings?
What would you do if you were in Mia's shoes and stumbled upon a mysterious world?
What lessons do you think Mia learned during her adventures in Otherland?
How do the relationships between the characters change throughout the story?
If you could add another character to the story, who would it be and what role would they play?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story, relating it to their own experiences.
Ask follow-up questions based on your child's responses to the key questions to deepen the discussion.
Create a comfortable and distraction-free environment to make the conversation more engaging and meaningful.
Share your own thoughts on the book's themes and characters to model thoughtful discussion and engage with your child’s opinions.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of bravery and stepping out of your comfort zone
Explanation: In 'Otherland,' the characters embark on a perilous journey through a fantastical world. Despite their fears, they face various challenges head-on, demonstrating courage.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to face new challenges in life, like trying out a new sport or speaking in front of a class, with confidence and resilience.
Example Lesson: The value of teamwork and collaboration
Explanation: Throughout their adventure, the characters in 'Otherland' must work together to solve puzzles and overcome obstacles, showcasing the power of collaboration.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to appreciate the benefits of working in teams, whether on school projects or during group activities.
Example Lesson: The significance of friendship and trust
Explanation: As the protagonists navigate through the unknown, their reliance on each other strengthens their bonds and highlights the importance of trust in friendships.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by building trustful relationships with their peers and understanding the role trust plays in lasting friendships.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: The characters encounter numerous setbacks during their quest, but their unwavering determination helps them push forward.
Real-World Application: This teaches children that persistence is key to overcoming difficulties, whether dealing with academic challenges or personal setbacks.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and the joy of discovery
Explanation: The fantastical elements and mysterious setting of 'Otherland' ignite curiosity, as the characters explore and uncover the secrets of the world around them.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to explore the world with curiosity and enthusiasm, which can lead to a lifelong love of learning and discovery.