Phoenix Festival: Book 16 (Secret Kingdom)
#16 in Secret Kingdom Series
on Goodreads (116)
What’s inside...
Wicked Queen Malice has cast a spell on Summer's storybook and unleashed all the fairytale baddies into the Secret Kingdom. Ellie, Summer, and Jasmine are excited about attending the annual Phoenix Festival fireworks display, but when they arrive, they find that a nasty wizard is controlling the fireworks and has kidnapped King Merry. The girls must embark on a quest to rescue their friend and return the wizard to the book to restore peace to the kingdom.
Character compass
Ellie
Jasmine
Summer
Discussion points
What was your favorite part of the Phoenix Festival and why?
How did Ellie, Summer, and Jasmine show teamwork during their adventure?
What would you have done if you were in the Secret Kingdom during the Phoenix Festival?
How did the characters overcome challenges in the story? Can you think of a time you overcame a challenge?
What did you learn about friendship from this book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use open-ended questions to inspire deeper thinking and connection to the story.
Relate the themes of the book, like teamwork and overcoming challenges, to your child’s own experiences.
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in the Secret Kingdom and ask what they would do differently.
Discuss the importance of friendship as portrayed in the book and ask your child to share stories of their friends.
After discussing the book, engage in a creative activity like drawing scenes from the festival or writing a short story about an adventure in a magical land.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of teamwork
Explanation: In 'Phoenix Festival,' characters work together to organize a spectacular festival. Their combined efforts and diverse skills ensure the event’s success.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to collaborate with siblings and friends on projects or games, understanding that everyone's role is crucial for a successful outcome.
Example Lesson: The value of perseverance
Explanation: The characters face numerous challenges while preparing for the festival but they persist and overcome these obstacles, showcasing the power of determination.
Real-World Application: This lesson can encourage children to keep trying in their academic and extracurricular endeavors, even when they find them challenging.
Example Lesson: Creativity and imagination
Explanation: The festival planning in the book requires creative solutions and imaginative ideas which lead to a magical outcome.
Real-World Application: Children are inspired to use their own creativity and imagination in play, school projects, or in problem solving everyday issues.
Example Lesson: The significance of cultural celebration
Explanation: The Phoenix Festival itself is a celebration of the book's fantastical culture, highlighting the importance of recognizing and honoring different traditions and histories.
Real-World Application: This can teach children to appreciate and participate in their own cultural activities and to respect and show interest in the cultures of others.