The Secret Kingdom
on Goodreads (7)
What’s inside...
The Secret Kingdom is a collection of paintings and poetry by artist Michele Bledsoe, celebrating the world of dreams. Inspired by Pablo Picasso's quote, 'Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up,' this book takes readers on a journey through the imagination, showcasing a unique and extraordinary collection of enchanting art. This is not your typical children's book, but rather a celebration of creativity and the enduring artist within all of us.
Age
3-5
Length
34 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the Secret Kingdom looks like? Can you describe it?
How do the characters in the story feel about the Secret Kingdom? Do their feelings change throughout the book?
What kind of adventures would you have if you could visit the Secret Kingdom?
How do the characters work together to solve problems in the story?
What did you learn from the journey of the characters in the Secret Kingdom?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine their own Secret Kingdom by drawing it or describing it in detail. This fuels creativity and personal connection to the story.
Discuss the emotions of the characters at different points in the story to help your child understand and express their own feelings.
Pose hypothetical questions like what they would do in a similar magical situation, which encourages problem-solving and critical thinking.
Revisit the book’s illustrations after reading to deepen understanding and appreciation of the story’s visual elements.
Connect themes from the book to real-life situations to help your child apply lessons from the Secret Kingdom in their own world.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The power of creativity and imagination
Explanation: In 'The Secret Kingdom,' the protagonist embarks on a fantastical journey through a whimsical land crafted from her own creative vision, demonstrating the limitless possibilities of imagination.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to engage in creative activities such as drawing, storytelling, or building, to develop their imaginative skills and learn to see the world in diverse and innovative ways.
Example Lesson: Valuing friendship and collaboration
Explanation: Throughout the narrative, the characters work together to overcome challenges, showing that cooperation and valuing others' input are crucial for success.
Real-World Application: This lesson is applicable in group activities at school or during play, where children can practice teamwork, respect for others' ideas, and mutual support.
Example Lesson: Courage to face the unknown
Explanation: The young protagonist faces many unknown elements in the Secret Kingdom, teaching that bravery isn’t about the absence of fear, but the will to continue despite it.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by tackling new experiences or challenges courageously, be it trying out for a school play, joining a new sports team, or standing up for what they believe is right.
Example Lesson: Resilience in adversity
Explanation: As obstacles arise, the character's ability to persevere is highlighted, underscoring the importance of resilience when confronted with difficulties.
Real-World Application: This can translate to persisting with difficult tasks at school, such as learning a new skill or improving in a subject that they find challenging.
Example Lesson: The joy of discovery
Explanation: The book celebrates discovering new places and ideas, inspiring awe and wonder in the reader.
Real-World Application: Encourage children to explore, ask questions, and learn about the world around them, whether through travel, reading, or engaging with diverse cultures and environments.