The Battles of Ben Kingdom: The Claws of Evil
#1 of 3 in The Battles Of Ben Kingdom Series
What’s inside...
Every coin has two faces. Every war has two sides. One boy has to make the right choice. The year is 1891 and London is at war. High up on the rooftops lives a ragtag band of orphans and spies - the Watchers - protectors of the city. But below the cobbled streets lurks the Legion, a ruthless gang of cut-throats and thieves, plotting to unleash the darkest forces of Hell. When a mysterious coin falls into his hands, cocky street urchin, Ben Kingdom, is flung into the midst of this ancient battle. The fate of the world rests with Ben, but which side will he choose? An army of angels... or the Claws of Evil? Welcome to Victorian London; the home of the Artful Dodger, Sherlock Holmes... and Ben Kingdom, cocky street urchin - and the saviour of mankind.
Discussion points
How do you think Ben felt when he discovered his special abilities? What would you do if you found out you had a unique power?
What are the qualities that make a hero in 'The Claws of Evil'? Who do you consider a hero in real life and why?
The story features different groups with conflicting interests. Can you think of a situation where you had to choose between two sides? How did you decide?
What role do friendship and teamwork play in helping Ben face challenges? Can you share an experience where your friends helped you overcome a difficulty?
If you could change one event in the book, what would it be and why? How do you think it would affect the story’s outcome?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage empathy by asking your child to put themselves in Ben's shoes, exploring how they would feel and react in similar situations.
Foster critical thinking by examining the actions of different characters and discussing their potential motives and consequences.
Promote moral reasoning by talking about the decisions Ben makes and whether they believe those choices were right or wrong.
Enhance comprehension by asking your child to summarize the plot or describe a character, and then discuss the themes and lessons learned.
Strengthen connection by sharing your own experiences related to themes in the book, such as courage or making difficult choices.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of adversity
Explanation: Ben Kingdom, a young protagonist, faces numerous challenges and threats in a Victorian-era setting but demonstrates bravery as he confronts evil forces. His courage inspires others and drives the plot.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of standing up for what is right and confronting challenges, despite feeling scared or uncertain. This can be applied in situations such as standing up to bullies or overcoming fears of the unknown.
Example Lesson: The value of teamwork
Explanation: Throughout the book, Ben joins forces with an eclectic group of allies, the Watchers, to battle the evil enemy. The diverse group's collaborative efforts highlight how working together can achieve common goals.
Real-World Application: Children understand that cooperation and respecting others' unique abilities can lead to success in group projects at school, sports teams, or family activities.
Example Lesson: Consequences of choices
Explanation: As Ben navigates through the dark alleys of Victorian London, his choices have significant impacts on his journey and those around him, teaching him about the consequences of his decisions.
Real-World Application: This stresses the importance of making thoughtful decisions. Children can apply this by thinking about the outcomes of their actions, such as sharing with siblings or choosing honesty over deceit.
Example Lesson: Persistence and resilience
Explanation: Ben faces setbacks and defeats throughout his adventures, but his persistent efforts and resilience ultimately lead him towards success.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand that setbacks are part of life and that persistent effort can lead to overcoming obstacles in schoolwork, friendships, or personal goals.
Example Lesson: The importance of integrity
Explanation: Ben is repeatedly faced with decisions that test his integrity, and he strives to choose actions that reflect his moral values, setting an example for those around him.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the importance of adhering to one's moral values even when faced with difficult choices. This can be reflected in everyday situations like being truthful or fair in their dealings with others.