Additional Resources

Continue the Conversation: after you've finished the book, use these discussion questions to kick off a good conversation, or write down your answers to prompt further reflection.

• Each of the princes has a very different idea of what's fun, from slaying monsters to having picnics to sitting outside naming animals. What's your idea of a fun afternoon?

• How are the bards similar to modern-day reporters? How are they different?

• Frederic is willing to face his fear of the outside world for Ella. What's something you're afraid of? Who or what do you care about so much that you'd face your fear to save them/it?

• How do Frederic, Duncan, and Gustav contribute to the League of Princes? What are each of their strengths?

• Zaubera only became evil because people treated her so badly. How does knowing this affect your opinion of her? How could she have reacted better to her situation?

Creative Writing Prompts: Try out one or more of these creative writing prompts.

• This book has so many examples of heroes. Make your own! Come up with a name, strengths and weaknesses, clothing style, and unique traits. Describe the kinds of heroic feats your hero might do.

• The trolls are going to get their own land for the first time! Based on what you know about them, describe what you expect their farms to be like. What will it look and smell like? What would the trolls say about it?

• A main character needs to be sympathetic even if they're not likeable. A sympathetic character is someone readers care about, feel bad for, and want to see grow better. Write a story featuring Deeb Rauber, Zaubera, or Briar Rose, and try to make them unlikeable but still sympathetic. Check out the chapter about Zaubera's backstory for a great example of this!