The Apprentices
#2 of 3 in The Apothecary Series
What’s inside...
Two years have passed since Janie Scott last saw Benjamin Burrows, the mysterious apothecary’s defiant son who stole her heart. On the other side of the world, Benjamin and his father are treating the sick and wounded in the war-torn jungles of Vietnam. Benjamin has been experimenting with a magical new formula that allows him to communicate with Janie across the globe. When Benjamin discovers that Janie is in trouble, he enlists the help of their friend Pip. The three friends embark on a desperate global chase to find one another and unravel the mystery threatening them all. This breathtaking sequel by acclaimed author Maile Meloy, with stunning illustrations by Ian Schoenherr, seamlessly weaves together magic and adventure.
Character compass
Janie Scott
Pip
Benjamin Burrows
Jin
Discussion points
How do you think Janie's relationship with her family influenced her decisions throughout the book?
What lessons did Benjamin learn from his adventures? Can you relate any of these lessons to your own experiences?
The story explores the use of power and responsibility. What are some examples where a character had to choose between right and wrong? What would you have done in their place?
How does the setting of the 1950s impact the story? Do you think the story would change if it were set in today's world?
Discuss the importance of teamwork as shown in the book. Can you share a personal experience where teamwork helped you solve a problem?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing your own thoughts on the book's themes and ask your child to compare their perspective with yours.
Encourage your child to imagine alternative scenarios within the book, asking them how they think the story would change with different choices made by the characters.
Relate the characters' experiences to real-life situations that your child might encounter, enhancing their connection to the story.
Highlight the historical aspects of the setting, providing context that can lead to deeper discussions about history and its influence on personal choices.
Acknowledge your child's responses positively, fostering an environment where they feel comfortable expressing their thoughts and opinions.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of teamwork
Explanation: The characters in 'The Apprentices' often rely on each other's unique skills to solve complex problems and achieve common goals.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to value collaboration and understand that working together can often lead to better solutions than working alone.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of challenges
Explanation: Throughout the book, the young protagonists encounter various obstacles but persistently work through them, demonstrating determination.
Real-World Application: This lesson can teach children the importance of perseverance when faced with difficulties, whether in schoolwork, sports, or relationships.
Example Lesson: The significance of ethical decision-making
Explanation: Characters in the story are often faced with difficult choices where they must consider what is right and what is wrong, teaching readers about integrity.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to think critically about the consequences of their actions and make decisions that reflect their values.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and the pursuit of knowledge
Explanation: The protagonists' adventures are driven by a thirst for knowledge and discovery, highlighting the joy and importance of learning.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to be inquisitive, explore new topics, and appreciate education.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: As the characters interact with diverse individuals along their journey, they learn to understand and share the feelings of others.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of empathy, helping them to build better relationships and be more compassionate in their interactions.