Zakkary Kay & the King of the Asparagus
on Goodreads (1)
What’s inside...
Zakkary Kay & the King of the Asparagus is a whimsical children's book about a young boy who discovers a magical world of talking vegetables. With the help of his new friends, Zakkary embarks on a quest to save the kingdom of the asparagus from an evil villain. Along the way, he learns valuable lessons about friendship, bravery, and the power of believing in oneself. This heartwarming story is filled with adventure, humor, and important life lessons that will captivate young readers.
Age
4-12
Length
48 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Why do you think the King of the Asparagus needed Zakkary Kay's help?
What would you have done if you were in Zakkary Kay's shoes?
How did the characters in the story show kindness or courage?
What did you learn about teamwork from the story?
If you could ask any character in the book a question, what would it be?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive tones and voices for different characters to make the reading session more lively and engaging.
Pause at critical moments in the story to ask your child how they think a character is feeling or what they might do next.
Relate the story's themes to your child’s everyday experiences, such as instances where they had to work in a team or help someone.
After reading, encourage your child to draw a picture of their favorite scene or character from the book. Discuss why they made that choice.
Create a small quiz or a fun fact session about asparagus or the story’s setting to deepen the learning experience.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of Sharing
Explanation: The King of the Asparagus teaches Zakkary the value of sharing his kingdom's resources with others.
Real-World Application: Children learn to share their toys and belongings with siblings and friends, fostering goodwill and cooperation.
Example Lesson: Courage to Face Fears
Explanation: Zakkary faces his fear of the dark forest to help a friend, demonstrating bravery.
Real-World Application: Kids are encouraged to confront their own fears, whether it's trying out for a sports team, or speaking in front of the class.
Example Lesson: Respect for Nature
Explanation: The narrative emphasizes the king’s role in protecting the asparagus crops and the surrounding environment.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate and take care of their environment, understanding the importance of sustainability from a young age.
Example Lesson: Importance of Friendship
Explanation: Throughout the adventure, the enduring friendship between Zakkary and the King is highlighted as they support each other.
Real-World Application: This can teach children the value of building and maintaining friendships, and being supportive friends in their own lives.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving Skills
Explanation: Zakkary and the King often face challenges that they solve together, showcasing teamwork and ingenuity.
Real-World Application: Children learn to approach obstacles with creativity and cooperation, applying these skills in school projects or family activities.