#1 in The Secrets of Droon Series
The Hidden Stairs and the Magic Carpet
What’s inside...
The magic begins when Julie, Neal, and Eric discover a tiny room under the basement stairs. A rainbow-colored staircase suddenly appears and carries them to the secret world of Droon -- a land of shiny red men, giant flying lizards, and a princess who needs their help. When Neal and Julie agree to help Eric straighten up his basement, they never imagine that they're in for more than getting a little dusty. But as the three kids follow a soccer ball into the small room under the basement stairs, the floor suddenly evaporates to reveal a rainbow staircase to another world! Before they have a chance to look around, they are caught in the midst of a battle. Shiny red men riding giant lizards are shooting arrows straight at them. They are saved by Princess Keeah of Droon who tells them the red men are warriors for the evil Lord Sparr. She promises to help them get home if they will carry a message for her. The message is delivered successfully but the brave Keeah has been captured by Lord Sparr. Equipped with a cape of invisibility, a six legged camel/horse, and a talkative spider-troll named Max, the three children manage to sneak in and rescue Keeah. Astride a magic carpet, Julie, Eric, Neal, and Keeah fly to the stairs that will take the three 'Upper World' children back home. The kids are astonished to discover that no time has passed back in their own world. But even as they marvel at their adventure, they realize that Princess Keeah has left them a secret message: Your dreams will tell you to return!
Discussion points
How would you feel if you discovered a magical world? What's the first thing you would do there?
What qualities do you admire in Eric, Neal, and Julie? How do those qualities help them on their adventure?
The kids in the book face many challenges. Can you think of a time when you had to overcome a challenge? What did you learn from it?
If you had a magic carpet, where would you go and why?
How do you think teamwork helped Eric, Neal, and Julie in their adventures? Can you think of a time when teamwork was important in your life?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in the story and ask how they would react in similar situations.
Discuss the character traits that help the protagonists succeed. This can lead into a conversation about developing and valuing these traits in real life.
Use the magical elements of the story to foster creativity, asking your child to describe or draw their own magical world.
Relate the book’s challenges to real-life scenarios your child might face, emphasizing problem-solving and resilience.
Highlight the importance of teamwork as demonstrated in the book and relate it to your child's experiences with friends or in school.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Bravery and Courage
Explanation: In 'The Hidden Stairs and the Magic Carpet', the protagonist, Eric, faces various challenges and dangers in a magical world. His journey exemplifies the need for bravery when confronting the unknown and standing up to adversity.
Real-World Application: Children learn to face their fears and challenges head-on, whether it’s trying out for a school play, standing up to a bully, or tackling a difficult subject at school.
Example Lesson: Friendship and Teamwork
Explanation: Throughout the book, Eric and his friends work together to overcome obstacles. The story highlights how cooperation and working as a team can achieve goals that might seem impossible for an individual.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of collaboration and supporting one another in group projects or sports, fostering a sense of community and shared success.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Exploration
Explanation: The characters’ adventure begins when they explore a mysterious hidden staircase. This exemplifies the virtues of curiosity and the benefits of exploring new areas to gain knowledge and experience.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to be inquisitive and explore new subjects, ideas, and places, promoting lifelong learning and discovery.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: As the characters face various mystical challenges, they need to think critically and creatively to solve problems. This narrative element underlines the importance of strategic thinking and innovative solutions.
Real-World Application: Children learn to apply critical thinking and creativity to solve problems in their studies, play, and everyday decisions.
Example Lesson: Responsibility and Leadership
Explanation: Eric often takes the lead in guiding his friends through challenges, demonstrating leadership and the importance of taking responsibility for group outcomes.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to take initiative in leadership roles in group activities and be accountable for their actions in both personal and collective endeavors.