Secrets of the Last Merfolk
What’s inside...
The book follows the story of two young protagonists, Finn and Sage, who discover the existence of the last remaining merfolk in a small coastal town. Amidst personal challenges with family, they embark on a thrilling adventure to protect these magical creatures from an ancient underwater enemy. As they uncover ancient secrets and forge deep connections with the merfolk, they must battle to ensure the survival of these proud, fierce, and powerful beings. This exciting middle-grade fantasy adventure, from the author of Guardians of the Wild Unicorns, reimagines merfolk as powerful entities with a rich and mysterious history.
Age
9-12
Length
240 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the merfolk feel about keeping their existence a secret?
What would you do if you were in the place of the main character and discovered the Last Merfolk?
Why do you think trust is an important theme in this story?
How can we apply the lessons learned from the merfolk's story to our own lives?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before discussing, ensure you both have a good understanding of the plot and characters to make the conversation more engaging.
Use the questions to guide the discussion, but let your child’s responses lead the way to encourage deeper thinking.
Relate the themes of the book to your child’s personal experiences to make the concepts more relatable and understandable.
Encourage your child to imagine alternative endings or scenarios to foster creativity and critical thinking.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: The story explores the relationships between the merfolk and humans, teaching children the importance of understanding and respecting differences.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to appreciate and embrace the diverse cultures and backgrounds of their peers.
Example Lesson: Courage and Perseverance
Explanation: As the characters in the book face various challenges, they showcase bravery and determination, inspiring children to tackle obstacles confidently.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to not give up easily in difficult situations, whether it’s solving a tough puzzle or standing up for what is right.
Example Lesson: Importance of the Environment
Explanation: The merfolk’s connection to the ocean highlights the need to preserve natural habitats, emphasizing environmental stewardship.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to take part in local clean-up activities or learn about ways to reduce waste to protect their environment.
Example Lesson: The Power of Friendship
Explanation: The book illustrates how friendships can overcome hardships, demonstrating the value of trust and mutual support.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to build stronger bonds with their friends and learn how to support each other in times of need.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Learning
Explanation: The quest to uncover the secrets of the Last Merfolk encourages a spirit of adventure and discovery in young readers.
Real-World Application: Encourage children to explore new topics, ask questions, and engage in activities that broaden their horizons and knowledge.