Snowlands: A Blood Moon (Book One)
#1 of 5 in Dragon Defenders Series
on Goodreads (534)
What’s inside...
The Dragon Defenders is an action-packed novel series by James Russell that follows the adventures of Flynn, Paddy, Briar, and Beth as they protect their paradise island home and the dragons that inhabit it from the evil villain, The Pitbull. The story features interactive augmented reality content accessible through the free 'AR Reads' app, which enhances the reader's experience by bringing the story to life with animations, codes, and messaging. With themes of family, resourcefulness, teamwork, and conservation, this series captivates readers and encourages them to stand up for what they believe in. It includes a dyslexic friendly font and has sold over 50,000 books in New Zealand alone. Critics and readers alike have praised the series for its thrilling plot and engaging storytelling.
Discussion points
What do you think motivates Aron and his friends to embark on their journey across the Snowlands?
How do you feel about the choices the characters make during their quest? Would you have done anything differently?
What lessons can we learn from the challenges they face and overcome?
How does the setting of the Snowlands affect the story? Can you imagine this adventure happening in a different place?
What do you think the 'Blood Moon' symbolizes in the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before starting the discussion, read the book together or ensure your child has recently read it. This will help them recall details more vividly.
Use a calm and curious tone to encourage open conversation. This helps children feel comfortable expressing their thoughts and opinions.
Refer to specific events or characters in the book to guide the discussion. This can help make abstract concepts more concrete for the child.
Encourage your child to draw parallels between the story and their own experiences. This personal connection can deepen their understanding.
After discussing the book's themes, ask your child how they might apply the lessons learned in the story to their own life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Bravery in the face of adversity
Explanation: The protagonist of 'Snowlands: A Blood Moon' faces numerous challenges and threats in a frosty, unforgiving environment, yet consistently shows courage and determination.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to face their own fears and challenges, whether it's trying something new or standing up for what's right, fostering resilience and courage in everyday situations.
Example Lesson: The importance of teamwork
Explanation: Throughout the book, characters must collaborate and rely on each other's unique skills to survive and overcome obstacles. This highlights the strength found in working together.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to value cooperation and teamwork in group projects at school or in sports, understanding that each team member contributes to the overall success.
Example Lesson: Adaptability to change
Explanation: Characters in 'Snowlands: A Blood Moon' are constantly faced with sudden changes and must adapt to survive, teaching the vital skill of flexibility.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to be more adaptable in their daily lives, which can help them navigate changes such as moving to a new school or dealing with alterations in a family dynamic.
Example Lesson: Empathy towards others
Explanation: The story showcases characters who come from different backgrounds and have different perspectives, promoting understanding and empathy.
Real-World Application: This can teach children the importance of empathy by encouraging them to consider and respect how others feel, both in their immediate surroundings and in broader social contexts.
Example Lesson: Resilience in overcoming personal loss
Explanation: Key characters deal with loss and show immense personal growth and resilience, which can be profoundly educational and inspirational.
Real-World Application: This may help children understand that while loss and sadness are part of life, strength and growth can emerge from these challenges.