The Time Garden (Tales of Magic Book 4)
#1 of 7 in Tales Of Magic Series
on Goodreads (221)
What’s inside...
In 'The Time Garden', the fourth installment in Edward Eager's 'Tales of Magic' series, four cousins stumble upon a magical thyme garden that enables them to travel through time. As they encounter historical figures and face various challenges, they learn important lessons about history, friendship, and the consequences of their actions. The children's adventures teach them to navigate the complexities of time travel while ensuring they do not disrupt history too drastically as they try to find their way back to their present time.
Character compass
Roger
Ann
Jack
Eliza
The Natterjack
Discussion points
How do you think the characters felt when they discovered the garden's magical abilities?
What would you do if you found a magical garden like the one in the book?
Which adventure in the story was your favorite and why?
How do the characters change from the beginning to the end of the book?
What lessons can we learn about friendship and teamwork from the characters' experiences?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine their own magical garden. Ask them what special powers it would have and how they would use them.
Discuss the moral decisions characters make in the story. This can help children develop their own sense of right and wrong.
After reading a chapter, pause to predict with your child what might happen next, enhancing their analytical skills.
Relate the book’s magical adventures to real-life experiences, making connections that enrich understanding.
Highlight the importance of cooperation as seen through the characters' teamwork, stressing its value in everyday situations.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Value of Teamwork
Explanation: In 'The Time Garden', the protagonists work together to solve puzzles and navigate through time. Their success often hinges on their ability to collaborate and utilize each other’s strengths.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of cooperating with others, whether it’s during school projects or playing sports, fostering a sense of community and shared objectives.
Example Lesson: Respecting Differences
Explanation: The characters in the book meet various historical figures and learn to respect cultural and personal differences. This is crucial as they navigate through different eras and societies.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children appreciate diversity in their everyday interactions and teaches them to embrace uniqueness in others.
Example Lesson: Responsibility for Actions
Explanation: Throughout the book, the characters make decisions that have consequences which they must face. This teaches them the importance of thinking before acting.
Real-World Application: Children learn to consider the possible outcomes of their actions, which is vital for developing personal accountability and decision-making skills.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Learning
Explanation: The children's adventures through time ignite a curiosity about history and the world around them, promoting a love of learning.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to explore new subjects, ask questions, and engage in learning activities both inside and outside the classroom.
Example Lesson: Importance of Family
Explanation: The characters rely on their familial bonds through their adventures, highlighting the support and love that family provides.
Real-World Application: Children are reminded of the significance of family support and the strength that can be drawn from familial relationships in their own lives.