Zelda and Ivy: The Runaways
#4 of 39 in Zelda and Ivy Series
on Goodreads (302)
What’s inside...
Laura McGee Kvasnosky's newest trio of stories is an entertaining and genuine look at the ups and downs of sisterhood. The fabulous fox sisters return in three fresh, funny stories. This time around, Zelda and Ivy combat the injustice of cucumber sandwiches for lunch, decide what to leave the children of the future in their time capsule, and attempt to solve Zelda’s writer’s block, all to the amusement of both new and returning fans.
Character compass
Zelda
Ivy
Zelda and Ivy
Discussion points
Why do you think Zelda and Ivy decided to run away? What would you have done in their place?
How did the sisters feel when they were away from home? Have you ever felt the same?
What does this story teach us about family and the support they provide?
Can you think of a time when you and a sibling or friend had a big plan? What happened?
How do you think the story would change if Zelda or Ivy made different decisions?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the characters’ actions and the outcomes. Validate their feelings and compare them to their personal experiences. Use pauses after each question to give your child time to think and respond. This enhances critical thinking and personal connection to the story. Highlight the importance of empathy by asking how they would feel in similar situations. Lastly, relate the story’s messages back to the child’s everyday life to reinforce the themes of family support and problem-solving.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of Independence
Explanation: In the story, Zelda and Ivy venture out on their own, demonstrating bravery and self-reliance.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to confidently make decisions and solve problems independently, important skills for personal development.
Example Lesson: Value of Sibling Relationships
Explanation: Throughout their adventure, the siblings support and look out for each other, showing the deep bond they share.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to appreciate and strengthen the relationships with their own siblings or peers, fostering empathy and cooperation.
Example Lesson: Consequences of Actions
Explanation: The mischievous actions of Zelda and Ivy come with light-hearted consequences which they learn from.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to think about the outcomes of their actions, teaching them to act responsibly.
Example Lesson: Creative Problem Solving
Explanation: When faced with challenges, the fox sisters come up with imaginative solutions, demonstrating quick thinking and creativity.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand that many problems can be approached and solved in creative ways, enhancing their problem-solving skills.
Example Lesson: Joy of Adventure
Explanation: The excitement and thrill of Zelda and Ivy’s runaways inspire a sense of adventure.
Real-World Application: This can motivate children to explore new activities and experiences, vital for healthy cognitive and social development.