The Firebird Song
#1 of 2 in Kingdom of Lyrica Series
on Goodreads (231)
What’s inside...
The Kingdom of Lyrica was once warm and thriving, kept safe by the Firebird, whose feather and song was a blessing of peace and prosperity. But the Firebird disappeared, and Lyrica is now terrorized by the evil Spectress who wields her powers from within a volcano. All that remains is a mysterious message scrawled on the castle wall in the Queen's own hand: Wind. Woman. Thief. Young Prewitt has only known time without the Firebird, a life of constant cold, as his village is afraid to tempt the volcano monsters with even the feeblest fire. But he has heard whispers that the kingdom's princess survived the attack . . . and he is certain that if he can find her, together they can save Lyrica. Princess Calliope has no memories beyond living on her barge on the underground lake. But as she nears her twelfth birthday, she is certain there is more to life than the walls of a cave. When Prewitt finds her, he realizes that she is the missing princess: the only hope for Lyrica. Determined to decipher the meaning of her mother's strange message and find the Firebird, Calliope and Prewitt set off on a quest that puts them in more danger than either of them ever anticipated. Debut author Arnée Flores spins an exciting and original tale about hope in even the darkest of places, perfect for fans of Shannon Hale.
Character compass
Calliope
Prewitt
Discussion points
What qualities do you think make someone a hero, like the characters in 'The Firebird Song'?
How do you think the people felt when they lost the magic and song in their kingdom?
If you had the power to bring back the firebird, what would you do differently?
Why do you think trust and courage are important in this story?
Can you think of a time when you felt hopeful about something like the characters did?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story by relating it to their own experiences. Ask them to imagine being in the story and what they would do in certain situations. Use follow-up questions to delve deeper into their responses, fostering critical thinking. Highlight the themes of bravery and perseverance, discussing real-life applications of these virtues. Lastly, emphasize the beauty of teamwork and community support depicted in the book, asking your child about times they felt supported by others.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage and Bravery
Explanation: In 'The Firebird Song,' the protagonist displays courage by embarking on a quest to break an oppressive curse and restore peace to her kingdom.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to face their fears and stand up for what is right, fostering bravery in challenging situations at school or in social interactions.
Example Lesson: Friendship and Collaboration
Explanation: Throughout the journey, characters work together, showing how collaboration and relying on friends can help overcome significant challenges.
Real-World Application: Kids are encouraged to cultivate strong, supportive relationships and learn the importance of teamwork both in the classroom and during group activities.
Example Lesson: Importance of Perseverance
Explanation: The characters’ persistence in the face of setbacks exemplifies how determination can lead to success even when the odds are stacked against them.
Real-World Application: This story can motivate children to keep trying and not give up on their tasks or goals, whether it’s completing a difficult homework assignment or learning a new skill.
Example Lesson: Value of Self-Belief
Explanation: As the protagonist overcomes self-doubt, she learns to trust in her abilities, illustrating the power of self-confidence.
Real-World Application: This can help children build their self-esteem and believe in their capacity to meet challenges head-on.
Example Lesson: Resilience in Adversity
Explanation: The characters face numerous challenges but their ability to adapt and remain hopeful underlines the strength of resilience.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to stay positive and adaptable despite obstacles, a skill that is crucial for emotional and psychological health.