Shock Forest and other magical stories: A Bloomsbury Reader
Yellow umbrella books for early readers. Series
What’s inside...
Dive into a world of enchantment with 'Shock Forest and other magical stories: A Bloomsbury Reader' by Margaret Mahy. This captivating collection of tales will thrill young readers as they explore a universe where magic meets the mundane. Each story is designed to engage children’s imaginations and nurture their developing minds. Parents will appreciate the careful balance of whimsy and moral lessons, fostering both literacy and ethical growth. Perfect for shared reading sessions, these stories promise to be a delightful journey for both you and your child. The collection features wonderful illustrations by Laura Borio and is part of the Bloomsbury Readers series, designed to get children reading independently. Ideal for ages 8+ and packed with brilliant books covering a wide range of genres and topics, this series includes online guided reading notes, making it perfect for both classroom and home reading.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
8-9
Length
96 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What magical power would you like to have and why?
How did the characters in Shock Forest use their abilities to solve problems?
Which story was your favorite and what lesson did you learn from it?
How do you think the forest feels about the magical events happening inside it?
If you could add a character to the stories, what qualities would they have?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading to bring the magical elements of the story to life.
After each story, pause and ask your child how they felt about the events and characters.
Encourage your child to imagine alternate endings or additional adventures for the characters.
Relate the magical stories to real-life scenarios to help your child connect with the themes.
Create drawings or crafts based on the magical forest and its inhabitants to deepen engagement with the book.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of courage
Explanation: In 'Shock Forest and other magical stories', characters often face daunting challenges or unfamiliar situations. Their bravery in confronting these circumstances teaches children the value of courage.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by facing their own fears, whether it's trying out for a school play, standing up to a bully, or trying a new activity.
Example Lesson: Value of teamwork
Explanation: Many stories in 'Shock Forest and other magical stories' involve characters working together to solve problems or overcome obstacles. This highlights the effectiveness of collaborative effort.
Real-World Application: This lesson can be applied in group projects at school, playing team sports, or even coordinating with siblings during family tasks, fostering an environment where working together is appreciated and rewarded.
Example Lesson: Respect for nature
Explanation: The magical settings often reliant on natural elements exemplify the need to care for and respect our environment, teaching children the importance of conservation.
Real-World Application: Children learn to implement this lesson by participating in recycling programs, being mindful of waste, and learning more about the natural world around them.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: Characters often encounter others who are different from them or in distress, and they learn to understand and share the feelings of another.
Real-World Application: This can help children develop their emotional intelligence, improving their ability to connect with peers and fostering a more inclusive attitude.
Example Lesson: Perseverance pays off
Explanation: Throughout the stories, characters frequently face setbacks, but their determination to keep trying leads to eventual success.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of persistence in their own lives, be it in mastering a new skill, improving in sports, or learning a musical instrument.