The Box of Delights
#2 of 3 in Kay Kay Series
What’s inside...
'Two of the greatest children's books ever written' - The Times on Box of Delights and The Midnight Folk. 'And now, Master Harker, now that the Wolves are Running, perhaps you could do something to stop their Bite?' A magical old man has asked Kay to protect the Box of Delights, a Box with which he can travel through time. But Kay is in danger: Abner Brown will stop at nothing to get his hands on it. The police don't believe Kay, so when his family and the Bishop are scrobbled up just before Christmas, he knows he must act alone. John Masefield's classic children's book is considered to be one of the great works of modern children's fiction. Magical, fantastical and filled with vivid, rich characters, The Box of Delights and its sequel The Midnight Folk are a must-read for any child.
Character compass
Kay Harker
Cole Hawlings
Sylvia Daisy Pouncer
Abner Brown
Discussion points
What would you do if you had the magical powers of the box?
How do you think Kay felt when he was responsible for protecting the box? Have you ever had a similar experience where you had to protect something important?
What does the story teach us about trust and friendship?
How do the characters in the story show bravery, and which acts of bravery stood out to you the most?
If you could meet any character from the book, who would it be and what would you ask them?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in the story and think about how they would interact with the magical elements.
Discuss the moral decisions Kay faces, and relate them to everyday choices your child makes, highlighting the importance of responsibility and courage.
Create a fun, relaxed environment for discussion, perhaps mimicking a scene from the book to make the conversation more engaging and lively.
Use examples from the book to discuss the value of friendships and trusting others, asking your child about their personal experiences with friends.
Praise your child’s ideas and thoughts to instill confidence in expressing their opinions and interpretations about the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of courage and resilience
Explanation: In the story, young Kay Harker faces various dangers and challenges but consistently demonstrates bravery and determination. His actions reveal the value of facing fears head-on.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by tackling challenges in school or social situations with confidence and not being afraid to stand up for what is right.
Example Lesson: The value of kindness and compassion
Explanation: Throughout the adventure, Kay shows compassion and helps others despite the risks. His interactions highlight the importance of empathy and support towards others.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to be considerate and supportive of their peers, promoting a positive and inclusive environment in their communities.
Example Lesson: The significance of wit and intelligence
Explanation: Kay often uses his intellect to solve puzzles and outsmart adversaries. This aspect exemplifies how mental sharpness can be as crucial as physical strength.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of thinking critically and creatively to solve problems, whether in academic settings or in everyday personal challenges.
Example Lesson: Understanding the consequences of actions
Explanation: The narrative shows characters facing repercussions for their choices, teaching that actions have outcomes whether good or bad.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand personal responsibility and encourages them to think before they act, fostering a sense of accountability.
Example Lesson: The exploration of trust and betrayal
Explanation: Kay must discern who to trust as he navigates his adventures, learning vital lessons about trustworthiness and deception from those around him.
Real-World Application: It instills in children the ability to critically evaluate the trustworthiness of those in their lives, reinforcing the importance of honesty and integrity in relationships.