The Emerald Quest: DragonChild Book 1
#1 of 3 in DragonChild Series
on Goodreads (16)
What’s inside...
When the six sister-witches stole the DragonQueen's jewels of power, they banished the dragons from their home in the land of Tulay. Before the dragons left, they took with them a human child as hostage. Tia has been raised by the dragons and considers them her family. She is appalled to learn that her own human mother is one of the sister-witches who are now the despotic rulers of Tulay. Tia decides she will prove herself to be a true DragonChild by retrieving the jewels, with the aid of her DragonBrother Finn. In this first exciting adventure, Tia goes after the jewel that gives its possessor the power to control beasts. The second story, The Opal Quest, is published in March 2013.
Discussion points
What do you think motivated DragonChild to embark on the Emerald Quest?
How did DragonChild's friendships influence the journey? Can you relate to any of his friendships?
What lessons do you think DragonChild learned during the quest?
If you were in DragonChild’s place, how would you handle the challenges faced on the quest?
How do the mythical creatures in the book compare to others you know about? Which one is your favorite and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to put themselves in DragonChild’s shoes, imagining how they would feel and react in similar situations.
Discuss the importance of friendships and teamwork as depicted in the book, drawing parallels to your child's own experiences with friends.
Highlight the moral and ethical questions raised in the book, prompting your child to consider what they would do in similar moral dilemmas.
Ask your child to describe their favorite part of the book and why it stands out to them, fostering a deeper connection to the story.
Introduce a drawing activity where your child can create their own mythical creature inspired by the book, encouraging creative expression.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of adversity
Explanation: The protagonist, Tia, shows immense bravery as she embarks on a quest to find a precious stolen jewel. Despite facing daunting challenges and fearsome dragons, her resolve never wavers.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of facing challenges head-on, understanding that courage isn’t the absence of fear, but the determination to act in spite of it. This can help them tackle difficult tasks in school or stand up for themselves in intimidating situations.
Example Lesson: The value of friendship and teamwork
Explanation: Throughout her journey, Tia relies on her friends who each bring unique skills to their quest. Their success is a testament to working together and supporting one another.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to value collaborative efforts and shows them that teamwork can accomplish goals that might seem impossible individually. It can foster better relationships and cooperation in group projects or sports.
Example Lesson: Responsibility and perseverance
Explanation: Tia’s quest is not just an adventure; it’s a duty she feels towards her family and her kingdom. Her perseverance in overcoming obstacles exemplifies a strong commitment to her responsibilities.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of staying committed to tasks, be it completing their homework, chores, or commitments to teams or clubs. It teaches them the value of dedication and hard work in achieving objectives.
Example Lesson: The importance of integrity
Explanation: In her quest, Tia is faced with several moral dilemmas. Her choices to act with honesty and integrity ultimately lead to her success and the trust she gains from others.
Real-World Application: This instills the value of honesty in children, helping them understand that being truthful and principled builds trust and respect in real-life relationships and interactions.