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The Hero's Guide to Storming the Castle

#2 of 3 in The League of Princes Series

illustrations by
4.24
on Goodreads (5,054)

What’s inside...

Prince Liam, Prince Frederic, Prince Duncan, and Prince Gustav, known as the Princes Charming, find themselves once again stepping out from the shadows of their princesses to save their kingdoms. After defeating an evil witch, their fame is fleeting as they face a new challenge: preventing a powerful object from falling into the wrong hands. Christopher Healy, author of The Hero's Guide to Saving Your Kingdom, returns to this fractured fairy-tale world for more medieval mischief involving magical gemstones, dangerous creatures, and power-hungry warlords in this action-packed sequel.
In series
Series reading

Sequential

Age

8-12

Length

477 pages

Text complexity

Character compass

Prince Liam
Ella
Prince Gustav
Prince Duncan
Prince Frederic
Lila
Deeb Rauber
Briar Rose

Discussion points

What do you think makes someone a true hero in 'The Hero's Guide to Storming the Castle'?
If you were part of the League of Princes, which character would you want to be and why?
How do the characters in the book work together to overcome obstacles? Can you relate this to any teamwork experience of yours?
What lessons did the characters learn throughout their adventure?
How would you have handled the situation differently if you were in the characters' shoes?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think critically about the storyline by asking them to predict possible outcomes before reading further.
Discuss the importance of teamwork as depicted in the book and connect it to real-life examples from your child's experiences.
Highlight and discuss the moral and ethical decisions made by the characters, asking your child what they would have done differently.
Emphasize the various traits of a hero beyond physical strength, such as intelligence, kindness, and bravery, to inspire similar values in your child.
After reading, create a fun activity where your child imagines their own adventure story, incorporating elements of heroism and teamwork learned from the book.

Key lessons

Example Lesson: Teamwork and collaboration
Explanation: The characters in 'The Hero's Guide to Storming the Castle' work together to achieve a common goal, showcasing the importance of cooperation and diverse skill sets.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by participating in group activities or projects at school, learning how to contribute effectively and value different perspectives.
Example Lesson: Courage to face challenges
Explanation: Throughout the book, the heroes face numerous obstacles that they must overcome, teaching readers about bravery and perseverance.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to tackle difficult tasks or confront fears in their own lives, whether it be trying out for a sports team or standing up in class to give a presentation.
Example Lesson: Consequences of deceit
Explanation: The story explores the repercussions of deception, illustrating how dishonesty can complicate situations and harm relationships.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the value of honesty in their interactions with friends and family, understanding that trust is fundamental to any relationship.
Example Lesson: Value of humor and positivity
Explanation: The light-hearted tone and humor in the book show how maintaining a positive attitude can help deal with adverse situations.
Real-World Application: Kids can practice using humor as a coping mechanism during challenging times and learn to approach life with a pleasant and positive outlook.
Example Lesson: Importance of strategy and planning
Explanation: The characters’ efforts to storm the castle are meticulously planned, emphasizing the need for strategic thinking and preparation.
Real-World Application: This lesson can be transferred to tasks such as completing school projects or organizing one’s daily activities, helping children understand the benefits of planning ahead.