The Fantastic Journey of Freckles the Dog
#1 of 36 in Wish Series
on Goodreads (1,702)
What’s inside...
Eleven-year-old Charlie Reese has been making the same secret wish every day since fourth grade. She even has a list of all the ways there are to make the wish, such as cutting off the pointed end of a slice of pie and wishing on it as she takes the last bite. But when she is sent to the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina to live with family she barely knows, it seems unlikely that her wish will ever come true. That is until she meets Wishbone, a skinny stray dog who captures her heart, and Howard, a neighbor boy who proves surprising in lots of ways. Suddenly Charlie is in serious danger of discovering that what she thought she wanted may not be what she needs at all. In a long-anticipated new vampire series by Morgan Rice, #1 bestselling author of The Vampire Journals (1,500 five star reviews), 17 year old Taylor Night, exiled from her trailer park in Texas to a juvenile detention camp in the rainy Northwest, tries to understand her mysterious power while surviving on an island of misfits. But when she finds herself having a crush on a mysterious boy, Taylor realizes he is not what he seems—and that her own destiny may be far greater than she imagined.
Discussion points
What do you think Freckles learned during his journey?
How did Freckles’ relationships with other characters change throughout the story?
Why do you think Freckles decided to go on an adventure?
What would you have done if you were in Freckles' place at various points in the story?
How did the story make you feel and which parts affected you the most?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think about the similarities and differences between themselves and Freckles, fostering empathy and self-reflection.
After your child answers a question, share your own thoughts to enhance the two-way communication and deepen the discussion.
Link discussions to real-life scenarios, such as dealing with challenges or the importance of friendships, which can help your child relate better to the book’s messages.
Praise your child’s responses and ideas, even if they differ from the storyline, to build their confidence and encourage creative thinking.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Value of Friendship
Explanation: In 'The Fantastic Journey of Freckles the Dog,' Freckles forms bonds with various characters, showcasing the importance of friendships and how they can provide support and joy.
Real-World Application: Children learn to value and nurture friendships in their own lives, understanding that friends can be a source of support and happiness.
Example Lesson: Problem-Solving Skills
Explanation: As Freckles encounters challenges on his journey, he must think critically and creatively to navigate through them, illustrating effective problem-solving.
Real-World Application: Kids are encouraged to apply problem-solving skills in daily challenges, whether it's resolving conflicts with peers or overcoming obstacles in school projects.
Example Lesson: Courage and Resilience
Explanation: Freckles often faces fears and obstacles, yet he consistently demonstrates bravery and resilience in overcoming them, teaching children the power of perseverance.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand the importance of facing fears and challenges head-on, and encourages them to not give up when faced with difficulties.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Compassion
Explanation: Throughout the story, Freckles shows empathy towards others' struggles, which highlights the significance of being understanding and compassionate.
Real-World Application: Children learn to empathize with others' feelings and perspectives, fostering a more inclusive and supportive social environment at school and at home.
Example Lesson: Joy of Adventure
Explanation: Freckles' journey is filled with exciting adventures that bring joy and wonder, promoting the idea that seeking new experiences can be rewarding.
Real-World Application: Children are inspired to explore the world around them and to appreciate new experiences, whether big or small, enhancing their curiosity and zest for life.