The Magic Trap
#2 of 6 in The Lemonade War Series
What’s inside...
The Magic Trap is a book about siblings Jessie and Evan, who discover a magic show kit in their local library. They start to perform tricks in order to raise money to fix their broken window, but eventually, the magic becomes real. The kids must learn to control their newfound abilities while dealing with the everyday problems of growing up. The book is part of the Lemonade War Series, which spans six books. The series follows the adventures of Jessie and Evan Treski as they navigate various challenges related to business, justice, and sibling relationships, all while incorporating themes of humor, math, and business acumen.
Discussion points
What do you think Jessie and Evan learned about teamwork and family in 'The Magic Trap'?
How did the characters handle their emotions during challenging situations?
Why is honesty important, as shown through the actions of the characters in the story?
What would you have done differently if you were in Jessie or Evan's shoes during their adventures?
How do you think the magic tricks affected the relationships between the characters?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the book, validating their emotions and connecting them to the characters’ experiences.
Discuss the problem-solving strategies used by Jessie and Evan, and relate them to real-life scenarios your child might face.
Highlight the importance of honesty and empathy as demonstrated in the book, asking your child how they practice these values in their own life.
Use examples from the book to have a conversation about handling disagreements and working together as a family or team.
After reading, consider practicing some simple magic tricks together, relating them back to the themes of the book to make the learning experience interactive and fun.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: In 'The Magic Trap,' the main characters, Jessie and Evan, must manage their household and younger sibling while their mother is away. This situation teaches them to handle responsibilities and solve problems on their own.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to take on appropriate tasks at home, helping in ways suited to their age and building their sense of responsibility and capability.
Example Lesson: The value of teamwork
Explanation: Throughout the book, siblings Jessie and Evan must work together to overcome various challenges. Their teamwork emphasizes the importance of collaboration and supporting each other.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by collaborating with siblings, friends, or classmates on projects, learning the importance of cooperation and mutual support.
Example Lesson: Handling emotions
Explanation: The characters in 'The Magic Trap' experience a range of emotions, including worry and frustration. The story shows how they navigate these feelings, providing a guide for emotional resilience.
Real-World Application: This helps children understand that it's okay to feel strong emotions and offers strategies for managing them, such as talking about feelings with a trusted adult or taking deep breaths.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: Facing unexpected issues, Jessie and Evan brainstorm and implement various solutions, highlighting their problem-solving skills.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to think critically and creatively to solve problems they encounter, whether at school or in interpersonal relationships.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: As Jessie and Evan deal with their own problems, they also begin to understand and empathize with each other's perspectives, deepening their sibling relationship.
Real-World Application: This lesson can teach children the importance of considering how others feel, leading to more empathetic interactions with peers and family members.