The Cursed Carnival and Other Calamities: New Stories About Mythic Heroes
#1 of 2 in Thousand Worlds Series
illustrations by
on Goodreads (1,825)
What’s inside...
Best-selling author Rick Riordan presents an anthology of ten new stories featuring beloved heroes from popular books. Characters like Aru Shah, Zane Obispo, and Min the fox spirit return, alongside a new hero introduced by Riordan. Contributions come from acclaimed middle grade authors, representing diverse cultures such as Indian, Mesoamerican, and Celtic. The stories explore a variety of mythologies and challenges, with beloved characters confronting new adversaries and adventures. This captivating collection promises fast-paced and humorous escapades, proving what it takes to be a hero across different times, settings, and universes.
Discussion points
Which mythic hero's story resonated with you the most and why?
How did the characters in the book handle challenges and what can we learn from them?
What are some qualities of the heroes that you admire?
If you could have a mythical power, what would it be and how would you use it to help others?
How do you think teamwork played a role in the heroes’ successes or failures?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to compare the mythical heroes with real-life heroes they know or admire.
Discuss the moral dilemmas presented in the stories and ask your child how they would handle similar situations.
Explore the cultures and histories behind the myths to deepen the conversation and learning experience.
Create a fun activity where your child imagines their own mythic hero, describing their powers, challenges, and adventures.
Praise your child for insightful observations and encourage them to think about how the stories’ values apply to their own lives.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and collaboration
Explanation: The diverse characters in 'The Cursed Carnival and Other Calamities' work together, leveraging their unique strengths to overcome obstacles.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of cooperating with others, understanding that different perspectives and skills enhance problem-solving.
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of adversity
Explanation: Heroes in the stories face their fears and take action, despite uncertain outcomes.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to confront their personal challenges bravely, whether it's trying out for a sports team or standing up for what's right.
Example Lesson: Importance of integrity
Explanation: Characters are often faced with decisions that test their honesty and moral convictions.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the value of making ethical choices and the long-term benefits of staying true to one's principles.
Example Lesson: Learning from mistakes
Explanation: The young heroes make mistakes but learn valuable lessons from them, which ultimately contribute to their growth.
Real-World Application: Helps children understand that errors are opportunities for learning and self-improvement, not just failures.
Example Lesson: Resilience and persistence
Explanation: Despite numerous setbacks, the characters persist in their quests, showcasing resilience.
Real-World Application: Inspires children to persevere in their endeavors, from academic pursuits to personal goals, regardless of difficulties.