The Wizards of Once: Knock Three Times
#3 of 4 in The Wizards of Once Series
on Goodreads (3,170)
What’s inside...
Wens and Xar are on the run from warriors, wizards, and witches as they attempt to gather ingredients for a spell to defeat their enemies. The Witch King is close to obtaining a magic that could destroy them, making their mission more dangerous than ever. Amidst their struggles, a betrayal looms, putting their fate in jeopardy. Cressida Cowell continues the Wizards of Once series with 'Knock Three Times,' filled with action, adventure, humor, and new magical creatures. This third book promises to captivate readers with its epic storytelling and enchanting world.
Character compass
Wish
Xar
Bodkin
Caliburn
King Encanzo
Queen Sychorax
Discussion points
What do you think drives Xar and Wish to keep helping each other despite their differences?
How do the characters handle fears and challenges in the book? Can you relate to any of their strategies?
Why is teamwork important in the story? Can you think of a time when you had to work with others to achieve something?
How do the Wizards and Warriors change their views about each other through the story? What can we learn from this?
If you had magical powers like Xar or Wish, how would you use them to make a difference in your world?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the book’s characters and their decisions. It’s a great way to explore moral and ethical questions.
Discuss the book’s setting and magical elements. Ask your child how they imagine such a world and what they find most fascinating about it.
Connect the story’s themes of friendship, courage, and understanding to real-life scenarios your child might encounter, enhancing the relevance of the story.
Utilize the book’s various conflicts and resolutions to discuss problem-solving strategies and the importance of differing perspectives in reaching solutions.
After finishing the book, encourage your child to write a short story or draw a picture of their favorite scene. This promotes creativity and helps them connect more deeply with what they've read.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of fear
Explanation: Throughout the story, the characters frequently confront dangerous and intimidating situations. Instead of succumbing to fear, they muster the courage to face these challenges head-on.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the value of bravery and understand that facing fears, whether speaking in front of a class or trying out for a sports team, is a part of growth and learning.
Example Lesson: The importance of teamwork
Explanation: The characters in the book often collaborate to overcome obstacles, demonstrating that teamwork can achieve goals that might be impossible for an individual alone.
Real-World Application: This promotes the idea of working together in group activities at school or collaborating with siblings at home to accomplish common goals.
Example Lesson: Friendship across differences
Explanation: The book features characters from different backgrounds and with different abilities forming strong friendships, showing that diversity can strengthen relationships rather than divide.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and embrace differences in their peers, fostering inclusivity and empathy in school and other social environments.
Example Lesson: Persistence through challenges
Explanation: The protagonists face numerous setbacks on their journey but remain determined and persistent, ultimately leading to growth and success.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of perseverance in tasks such as completing homework, practicing a musical instrument, or learning a new skill, even when it becomes challenging.