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The Magic Tree House Series

Winter of the Ice Wizard

illustrations by
4.03
on Goodreads (5,978)

What’s inside...

Winter of the Ice Wizard takes Jack and Annie on a mission to save Merlins beloved penguin, Penny. They are whisked away to a freezing cold, snowy ice palace, and encounter the Ice Wizard. They prove their worth by passing three perilous challenges and are rewarded with a special moonstone which will allow Penny to return home.
Series reading
Sequential
Age
5-9
Length
144 pages
Text complexity

Discussion points

What do you think motivates the Ice Wizard to act the way he does?
How do Jack and Annie show bravery and teamwork throughout their adventure?
What would you do if you were in Jack and Annie’s place during their quest?
How do the characters change from the beginning to the end of the story?
What lessons can we learn about friendship and courage from this book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before starting the conversation, read the book together or ensure your child has read it recently to refresh their memory.
Use open-ended questions that require more than a yes or no answer to encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story.
Connect discussions to your child’s personal experiences to make the themes of the book more relatable and impactful.
Encourage your child to imagine alternative scenarios or endings to the story to foster creativity and deeper understanding.
Acknowledge all responses positively to create a supportive environment where your child feels comfortable sharing their ideas.

Key lessons

Example Lesson: Importance of Teamwork
Explanation: In 'Winter of the Ice Wizard,' the characters demonstrate the power of collaboration as they work together to solve challenges and navigate their adventure.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of cooperating with others to achieve common goals, which is essential in classroom projects, sports, and family activities.
Example Lesson: Courage in the Face of Adversity
Explanation: The protagonists show bravery as they face the Ice Wizard and other obstacles, teaching readers about facing fears and overcoming difficult situations.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand the importance of being brave during challenging times, such as trying new activities or standing up for what is right.
Example Lesson: Problem-Solving Skills
Explanation: Throughout the story, the characters encounter various problems that they must think through and solve, showcasing critical thinking and creativity.
Real-World Application: Children can apply problem-solving skills learned from the book to academic challenges or in resolving conflicts with peers.
Example Lesson: The Power of Knowledge
Explanation: The characters often rely on knowledge and wisdom to guide them, underscoring the importance of learning and intelligence in overcoming difficulties.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to value education and seek knowledge to make informed decisions, building a foundation for lifelong learning.
Example Lesson: Persistence Pays Off
Explanation: Despite numerous setbacks, the story’s heroes persist in their quest, ultimately achieving their goals, illustrating the virtues of determination and perseverance.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to keep trying in the face of failures, whether it be in mastering a new skill, improving in sports, or excelling academically.