#9 in A Series of Unfortunate Events
The Carnivorous Carnival
What’s inside...
The Baudelaire orphans are falsely accused of murder and end up at the Caligari Carnival, where they must masquerade as freaks in order to hide from the evil Count Olaf.
Character compass
Discussion points
How do you feel about the choices Violet, Klaus, and Sunny had to make in their challenging situations? What would you have done differently?
What do you think the theme of 'identity' means in this story, and why is it important for the characters?
Discuss the importance of teamwork shown by the Baudelaire siblings. How did it help them navigate the dangers they faced?
Why do you think the author chose a carnival as the main setting for this book? How does it influence the mood and events?
In what ways did the characters show resilience and adaptability in the face of adversity?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the book by relating to personal experiences. It makes the discussion more relatable and engaging.
Use expressive reading techniques, such as different voices for characters and dramatic pauses, to make the story come alive during shared reading sessions.
After discussing the key questions, ask your child to draw a scene from the book or to write a short letter to one of the characters. This encourages deeper engagement with the themes and characters.
Highlight the moral choices in the story and relate them to everyday decisions. This helps reinforce the values of decision-making and ethics.
Point out real-life examples of resilience and teamwork, and discuss how these skills are beneficial both inside and outside of literature.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of Critical Thinking
Explanation: Throughout 'The Carnivorous Carnival', characters must think critically and question the motives of others in order to survive the treacherous carnival environment.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to analyze situations and think twice before accepting things at face value, aiding them in decision-making and discerning truth from deception.
Example Lesson: Value of Courage and Resilience
Explanation: The protagonists, despite being in constant danger, continually showcase bravery and a will to overcome adversities, promoting the idea that courage is crucial in facing life's challenges.
Real-World Application: Inspires children to remain steadfast and courageous, even when faced with difficulties or when stepping into the unknown.
Example Lesson: Importance of Family and Loyalty
Explanation: The characters demonstrate unwavering loyalty to each other, reinforcing the strength that can be found in familial bonds, even if those families are not traditional.
Real-World Application: Teaches the significance of supporting family and friends, which fosters strong, trusting relationships in a child's personal life.
Example Lesson: Ethical Decision-Making
Explanation: Characters in the book often face moral dilemmas, emphasizing the complexity of right and wrong and the consequences of one’s choices.
Real-World Application: Helps children understand that their choices have impacts and to consider ethical dimensions in their everyday decisions.