The Field Guide (The Spiderwick Chronicles, Book 1)



Last updated Thursday, May 5, 2016

Author: Tony DiTerlizzi
Date of Publication: 2003
ISBN: 0689859368
Grade Level: 3rd    (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: May 2016

Synopsis: The Grace children discover the faerie world is closer than you think in this repackage of the first book in the #1 New York Times bestselling Spiderwick Chronicles. After finding a mysterious, handmade field guide in the attic of the ramshackle old mansion they’ve just moved into, Jared; his twin brother, Simon; and their older sister, Mallory, discover that there’s a magical and maybe dangerous world existing parallel to our own—the world of faerie. The Grace children want to share their story, but the faeries will do everything possible to stop them... In honor of the tenth anniversary of the #1 New York Times bestselling Spiderwick Chronicles series, which has more than 12 million copies in print worldwide, this edition of The Field Guide features a larger trim size and an original cover with all-new art from Tony DiTerlizzi.

Note to readers:
•  After reading the first 2 chapters skip to chapter 5.

Discussion topics for before reading:
•  What do you think Spiderwick is?
•  What do you think the book they are looking at is a guide to?
•  Do the kids reaction look like they are scared? Interested?

Vocabulary

•  Garish - too bright or colorful
•  Indeterminate - not able to be described in an exact way
•  Brocaded - a cloth with a raised design in gold or silver thread
•  Scuttling - to cause something to end or fail
•  Parries - to defend yourself by turning or pushing aside
•  Fencing - the art or sport of fighting with swords
•  Skeevy - unpleasant, squalid, or distasteful.

Discussion topics for during/after reading:
•  What do you think you'll be when you grow up?
•  Have you ever moved to a new house? Did you like your new house?
•  What do you think is really in the wall?
•  What was the guide to?

Craft ideas:
•  Makeup, and draw, a faerie of your own and describe its characteristics.
•  Make a Father's Day card.
•  If you know someone who is graduating from middle, high school, or college, make them a graduation card.
•  Check out our May craft ideas on Pinterest! https://www.pinterest.com/readingtokids/may-2016-fairytale-crafts/

*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions. You can use them, but you don't have to use them. You can expand upon them, or add your own twist. Remember, though, that the focus of your time should not be on the development and execution of a craft; the focus should be on the read-aloud and the enjoyment of the book!