#1 in The Books of Elsewhere Series
Still Life
What’s inside...
The fifth and final book in The Books of Elsewhere.
Annabelle McMartin is gone for good, but something worse lurks just out of sight--watching, waiting, preparing to strike. Then a field trip to the local art museum reveals a shock. What Olive discovers will create a chain of events that propel her to discoveries she may not wish to uncover, involving Morton's vanished parents and the very deepest, darkest roots of Aldous McMartin's creepy painted world.
In this fifth and final book, Olive must seek the full, complex story of Elsewhere, its magical origins, and its creator, and in so doing, face her own fears and limitations--and possibly the destruction of Elsewhere itself. How far will Olive go to save the people and home she loves? And what will be the final cost?
Character compass
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.