Wildwood
#1 in Wildwood Series
on Goodreads (31,513)
What’s inside...
Wildwood follows the journey of Prue, a young girl who ventures into the Impassable Wilderness to rescue her kidnapped baby brother from a murder of crows. As she navigates the dense forest, no one has ever returned from, she uncovers secrets and faces challenges. Simultaneously, in the Transylvanian woods, Jena and her sisters enjoy an idyllic life at Castle Piscul Draculi, exploring and dancing in the enchanted Other Kingdom through a hidden portal. However, their peaceful existence is disrupted when their father falls ill, and their cousin Cezar arrives with possibly sinister intentions. As Jena's sister falls for a creature from the Other Kingdom, Jena must prevent the forbidden union and protect her family and the Other Kingdom from Cezar's growing power. She faces tests of trust, strength, and true love to save everything she holds dear.
Character compass
Prue Mckeel
Curtis Mehlberg
Esben (Bandit King)
Alexandra (Dowager Governess)
Tatiana
Costin
Paula
Stela
Iulia
Sorrow
Cezar
Jenica
Discussion points
What do you think Prue felt when her brother was kidnapped, and how would you feel in a similar situation?
Wildwood is full of various creatures and characters. Which one was your favorite and why?
The setting of Wildwood is both magical and mysterious. How do you think the setting affects the story?
If you were in the Wildwood, which side would you choose to be on - the Exiles or the bandits? Why?
How do the characters in the book show bravery and teamwork, and what can we learn from them?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing your own thoughts on the book to create a comfortable atmosphere for open discussion.
Ask your child to draw scenes or characters from the book. This can help them express their understanding and perspective creatively.
Encourage your child to compare different characters' choices and consequences, fostering critical thinking about ethics and morality.
Create parallels between the book's themes and real-life situations to help your child connect the book's lessons to their own experiences.
Revisit favorite passages together, and ask your child to explain what they think and feel about those sections, deepening their comprehension and emotional connection.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Bravery and courage
Explanation: In 'Wildwood', protagonist Prue embarks on a daring journey to save her brother, showcasing her courage in facing unknown dangers.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of facing fears and taking action during challenging situations, which can help them tackle obstacles in school or in social settings.
Example Lesson: The value of friendship
Explanation: Throughout the book, Prue and her friend Curtis face many trials, illustrating how teamwork and loyalty are pivotal in overcoming difficulties.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of supporting and trusting their friends, fostering healthier and more supportive peer relationships.
Example Lesson: Respecting nature
Explanation: The rich descriptions of the Wildwood forest and its inhabitants emphasize the need to respect and protect natural environments.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to appreciate nature, promoting activities like recycling, conservation, and enjoying safe outdoor play.
Example Lesson: Perseverance in adversity
Explanation: The characters' continuous efforts to tackle various challenges throughout the book highlight the importance of perseverance.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to persist in their studies or personal goals, despite difficulties or setbacks.
Example Lesson: Understanding the consequences of actions
Explanation: The story presents various scenarios where actions have significant consequences, teaching accountability and foreseeing outcomes.
Real-World Application: Helps children grasp the concept of cause and effect, encouraging them to think about how their actions affect others and themselves.