The Poison Jungle
#13 of 15 in The Wings of Fire Series
on Goodreads (19,057)
What’s inside...
The Poison Jungle is the thirteenth book in the Wings of Fire series by Tui T. Sutherland. The story follows Sundew, a dragon with a unique ability to speak to plants. Sundew and her friends navigate the dangerous Poison Jungle to find a cure for the deadly breath of death tree and stop the LeafWings' plan to destroy the HiveWings. The book includes new tribes of dragons and explores dark secrets, some of which Sundew is keeping, and others she is only just beginning to discover. As a new war looms, Sundew and her friends must uncover the oldest secret in the jungle, which could potentially destroy them all.
Character compass
Sundew
Belladonna
Cricket
Willow
Swordtail
Blue
Queen Sequoia
Queen Wasp
Discussion points
What do you think about the choices Sundew had to make in 'The Poison Jungle'? How would you feel if you were in her position?
The environment plays a big role in this book. What can we learn about nature and our responsibility towards it from the story?
Friendship is a central theme in 'The Poison Jungle'. How do the characters support each other, and why is teamwork important in difficult situations?
If you could have a conversation with any character from the book, who would it be and what would you ask them?
How does the idea of home change throughout the story, and what does that tell us about where we find safety and comfort?
Tip: Role play these questions
When discussing the book, encourage your child to think critically by asking them how they might handle similar situations differently.
Highlight the importance of environmental conservation by connecting themes from the book to real-world issues and discussing practical steps your family can take to help.
Emphasize the value of empathy by exploring and discussing each character’s motivations and feelings throughout the story.
Create a supportive and open space for discussion, ensuring your child feels comfortable expressing their thoughts and ideas about the book’s complex topics.
Relate the story back to personal experiences or current events to make the discussion more tangible and relevant to your child’s world.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Cooperation
Explanation: In 'The Poison Jungle,' the characters must work together to navigate the dangerous jungle and overcome challenges. This cooperation is pivotal to their survival and success.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of collaborating with others, whether in school projects or team sports, fostering a spirit of unity and shared goals.
Example Lesson: Environmental Awareness
Explanation: The story emphasizes the significance of the jungle environment and its preservation. It teaches the consequences of not caring for our ecosystems.
Real-World Application: This can motivate children to engage in environmentally friendly practices such as recycling and conserving water, illustrating their role in the health of our planet.
Example Lesson: Courage and Facing Fears
Explanation: The protagonists face their fears when dealing with the threats in the jungle, showing bravery despite uncertainties.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to face their own fears and understand that feeling scared is normal, but confronting those fears is often rewarding and essential for growth.
Example Lesson: Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving
Explanation: Throughout the book, characters encounter various problems that require creative and logical solutions, displaying effective critical thinking.
Real-World Application: This highlights the importance of thinking critically in difficult situations, a skill that children can apply in academic challenges and personal dilemmas.
Example Lesson: Resilience and Adaptability
Explanation: The characters often adapt to sudden changes and setbacks, demonstrating resilience.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of bouncing back from adversity and adjusting to new situations, preparing them for inevitable changes in life.