#3 in Septimus Heap Series
Syren
on Goodreads (34,925)
What’s inside...
In the fifth installment of the Septimus Heap series, Septimus and his friends find themselves on a beautiful, mysterious island. Here, they are confronted by a dangerous syren and a perilous quest. The friends must use all their skills and magic to survive and return home.
Character compass
Discussion points
How did Septimus's journey throughout the book change him as a character? What do you think were his most important lessons?
What role do you think friendship and loyalty play in 'Syren'? Can you relate any events in the book to your own experiences with friends?
How do the different settings in the book affect the story? Which setting was your favorite and why?
If you could have any magical power displayed in 'Syren', which one would you choose and what would you do with it?
The book features various challenges and problems the characters must solve. Which problem was the most interesting to you, and how would you have solved it differently?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about Septimus's decisions and how they might have handled similar situations.
Discuss the importance of friendship as shown in the book and relate it to your child’s personal experiences, fostering a deeper connection to the story.
Explore the concept of good vs. evil as portrayed in 'Syren' and ask your child where they see these themes in the world around them.
Link the magical elements of the book to creativity, asking your child how they might use magic to solve everyday problems creatively.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and cooperation
Explanation: In 'Syren,' characters like Septimus, Jenna, and Beetle collaborate to overcome challenges, emphasizing the importance of working together to achieve common goals.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by participating in group activities at school or in sports, learning to cooperate and value each team member's contributions.
Example Lesson: Responsibility and decision-making
Explanation: Throughout the book, Septimus Heap, the young wizard, is tasked with making significant decisions that affect not only him but his friends and family. This highlights the weight of responsible decision-making.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to think about the consequences of their actions and make thoughtful decisions in their everyday interactions with friends and family.
Example Lesson: Courage and facing fears
Explanation: The characters in 'Syren' often face dangerous situations that test their courage. Their ability to face fears head-on is a recurring theme.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to face their own fears, whether it’s trying out for a school play, standing up to a bully, or dealing with a challenging situation at home.
Example Lesson: The value of knowledge and learning
Explanation: Septimus’s journey is also one of continuous learning, whether it's mastering new spells or understanding ancient lore, showing that knowledge is a powerful tool.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to remain curious and enthusiastic about learning, understanding that education can help them navigate and understand the world better.
Example Lesson: Integrity and the importance of doing what's right
Explanation: Characters in 'Syren' often face moral dilemmas and the importance of integrity is a key theme, stressing the importance of honesty and ethical behavior.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of honesty and ethics in their daily lives, encouraging them to always strive to do what is right, even when it’s difficult.