The Book of Wonders
#1 in The Secrets of Valhalla Series
on Goodreads (1,226)
What’s inside...
Magic, Djinn, Ogres, and Sorcerers. Thirteen-year-old Zardi loves to hear stories about fantastical beings, long banned from the kingdom of Arribitha. But anyone caught whispering of their powers will feel the rage of the sultan—a terrifying usurper who, even with his eyes closed, can see all. When her own beloved sister is captured by the evil ruler, Zardi knows that she must go to any lengths to rescue her. Along with her best friend, Ridhan—a silver-haired, violet-eyed boy of mysterious origins—and an unlikely crew of sailors led by the infamous Captain Sinbad, Zardi ventures forth into strange and wondrous territory with a seemingly impossible mission: to bring magic back to Arribitha and defeat the sultan once and for all.
Character compass
Zardi
Rhidan
Sinbad
The Sultan
Discussion points
What magical place from the book would you love to visit, and why?
How do you think the characters felt when they faced challenges? Can you relate to any of their feelings?
What would you do if you had the powers of the main character?
Which character did you admire the most and what qualities did you like about them?
How do you think the story would change if it happened in our world?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing your favorite part of the book to spark your child's interest in the conversation.
Ask open-ended questions that allow your child to think creatively and express their thoughts.
Encourage your child to draw parallels between the book's themes and their everyday experiences.
Praise their insights and encourage them to think deeper about the story's implications.
Use the book's magical elements as a fun way to delve into discussions about moral and ethical questions.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of courage
Explanation: The protagonist, Zardi, exemplifies courage throughout the story as she embarks on a quest to save her sister and confronts numerous challenges.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to face their own fears and stand up for what they believe in, whether it's trying something new or standing up against bullying.
Example Lesson: Value of friendship
Explanation: Zardi’s journey emphasizes the power of camaraderie as she teams up with friends who support and help each other through difficult times.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the significance of building and maintaining friendships and how teamwork can help overcome obstacles.
Example Lesson: Resilience in adversity
Explanation: Throughout the book, Zardi faces various setbacks but continuously pushes forward, showcasing the trait of resilience.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to persist and continue working towards their goals, despite difficulties or failures, fostering a resilient mindset for life's challenges.
Example Lesson: Appreciation for diversity
Explanation: The book introduces a variety of characters from different backgrounds, promoting the acceptance and celebration of diversity.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to embrace and respect people's differences in their communities and schools, fostering a more inclusive environment.
Example Lesson: The power of knowledge
Explanation: Zardi’s quest for knowledge to save her sister highlights the importance of learning and using knowledge as a tool.
Real-World Application: This lesson advocates for the value of education and continuous learning, inspiring children to remain curious and engaged learners throughout their lives.