Still Life
#5 of 5 in The Books of Elsewhere Series
What’s inside...
The fifth and final book in The Books of Elsewhere series follows Olive as she uncovers shocking secrets about the magical origins of Elsewhere and its creator, Aldous McMartin. When a field trip to an art museum reveals unexpected clues, Olive is propelled into a series of events that lead to discoveries about Morton's vanished parents and the darkest roots of the painted world. As Olive seeks to understand the full story of Elsewhere, she must confront her own fears and limitations, and face the potential destruction of Elsewhere itself. The final book explores the lengths Olive will go to protect the people and home she loves, and the ultimate cost of her actions.
Character compass
Olive Dunwoody
Harvey
Rutherford Dewey
Horatio
Leopold
David Morton
Annabelle Mcmartin
Discussion points
How do you think the characters felt when they discovered the magical paintings? What emotions did you feel while reading about it?
What do you think about Olive's decision-making in the story? Would you have done something different if you were in her shoes?
The house in the book has a lot of secrets. What do you think makes a house feel like a home?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressions and voice modulations that match the mood of the scenes when reading aloud. This helps the child better grasp the emotional context of the story.
Encourage your child to describe their favorite character or part of the book. This opens up a dialogue about personal preferences and moral judgments.
Discuss the magical elements of the book. Ask your child how they would use such magic if they had it, to understand their thinking and ethical considerations.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of empathy
Explanation: In 'Still Life', the protagonist demonstrates a deep understanding and compassion towards the characters she interacts with, teaching readers about the significance of seeing situations from others' perspectives.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by being considerate of their friends' feelings and viewpoints during interactions, helping to build stronger, empathetic relationships.
Example Lesson: Creativity as a problem-solving tool
Explanation: The book showcases characters using their creative abilities to overcome obstacles, illustrating how thinking outside the box can lead to effective solutions.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to use their imagination in challenging situations, promoting creative thinking as a practical approach in their daily challenges.
Example Lesson: The value of perseverance
Explanation: The characters face various challenges throughout 'Still Life', yet their determination to persist teaches the reader about the rewards of not giving up in the face of adversity.
Real-World Application: Children learn to continue working towards their goals, regardless of difficulties, fostering a resilient and persistent attitude in their own lives.
Example Lesson: Understanding change and loss
Explanation: The story delicately approaches themes of change and loss, providing children with a gentle introduction to these inevitable aspects of life.
Real-World Application: This lesson equips children to better handle and accept changes and losses they may encounter, such as moving schools or losing a pet.