The Threads of Magic
on Goodreads (283)
What’s inside...
Pip lives on his wits in the city of Clarel. When he pickpockets the wrong man, he finds himself in possession of a strange object – a heart in a silver casket. What’s more, the heart seems to be trying to communicate with Pip, and the royal officials who lost it will stop at nothing to get it back. Pip has unwittingly broken an ancient spell, and his theft will have far-reaching consequences for the whole city. As the ancient war between the Spectres and witches of Clarel reignites, the heart prepares to seek revenge for all it has suffered. In a gripping stand-alone fantasy from the acclaimed Alison Croggon, a pickpocket steals the cursed Stone Heart and is propelled into a power struggle, woven with witchcraft, that will change the kingdom forever. Pip lives by his wits in the city of Clarel. But when he picks the wrong pocket, Pip finds himself in possession of a strange dried heart in a silver casket—and those who lost it will stop at nothing to get it back. With assassins on his trail and the ominous heart beginning to whisper to him, Pip and his childlike older sister El are drawn deeper into the forbidden world of magic. Now they must seek the help of the secret witches of Clarel and Princess Georgette—who is sick of being a pawn in everyone else’s game—to wage revolution against a chilling king, a power-hungry church cardinal, and an ancient evil they don’t truly understand. A beautifully written adventure full of courage and kindness, The Threads of Magic transports readers to a magical city of airy palaces and rotten slums, of agents of the Office of Witchcraft Examination and midsummer dancing in the Weavers’ Quarter, of dangerous fathers and chosen family.
Age
9-12
Length
384 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Pip felt when she discovered the magical thread? What would you do if you found something similar?
The characters in the book face many challenges. Which challenge was the most difficult, and why do you think so?
Who is your favorite character in 'The Threads of Magic' and what qualities do they have that you admire?
How do the characters in the story show courage and teamwork? Can you share a time when you had to be brave or work with others to solve a problem?
If you could add another magical object to the story, what would it be and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the discussion by sharing your own thoughts on the book's themes such as bravery, friendship, and mystery. This encourages open conversation.
Ask your child to draw their favorite scene or character from the book. Use their artwork as a catalyst for discussion about the story's themes.
Encourage your child to think critically by asking them to consider how they would have reacted in a similar situation as the characters.
Link parts of the story to real-life examples, making the themes more relatable and understandable.
Praise your child for their insights and answers, ensuring they feel confident and valued in sharing their thoughts.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of courage and bravery
Explanation: In 'The Threads of Magic,' the characters frequently face dangerous situations that require bravery to confront challenges and protect their loved ones.
Real-World Application: Children learn that courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the ability to act in spite of it, helping them face their own everyday challenges.
Example Lesson: Value of teamwork and collaboration
Explanation: Throughout the book, characters must work together, combining their strengths to overcome obstacles and solve mysteries.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of cooperating with others and that teamwork can lead to achieving goals that might seem impossible alone.
Example Lesson: The significance of loyalty and trust
Explanation: The story highlights how characters rely on each other's loyalty and the trust they place in one another to navigate their perilous journey.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of being reliable and trusting others, fostering strong, supportive relationships in their own lives.
Example Lesson: Learning from mistakes
Explanation: Characters in the book make mistakes and face the consequences, but they also learn and grow from these experiences.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand that mistakes are a part of learning and encourage them to persevere rather than give up when faced with difficulties.