4. How does Mallory feel about the conversation with the rabbit-monkey creature and what does Simon ask it? What is the creature's response to Simon's question?

5. What begins to make the children nervous and what happens as they reach a meadow?

6. What do the children do when they return from the barn?

7. What does Mallory ask Simon about what he brings on the walk and what is his response?

8. Who is the first of the three beings to speak to the children and what does she say?

9. What does Simon say to Jared about the guide?

10. How does Mallory feel about the guide being gone and what does Jared say to her about it?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

As in many fantasy novels, magic is an inherent part of a few of the characters. Discuss the following:

1. Thoroughly discuss and analyze the use of magic in Lucinda's Secret. Who possesses magic as an inherent aspect of their nature? Who can wield magic through the use of a tool? What is the difference between the two types of magical usage? Is one more powerful than the other?

2. Why do you think magic exists in so many fantasy novels? Do you think a novel can be "fantasy" and there be no magic as a part of the storyline? Why or why not?

3. Which type of magic would you rather possess--that of Thimbletack's magic or the magic the elves wield? Explain your answer.

Essay Topic 2

Jared is so mad at Mallory that he almost hits her and if not for Simon grabbing his arms he may have hurt his sister. His crying seems to be because he is angry and frustrated but also because he is afraid at how close he came to hitting his sister. Jared is frightened by the anger that sometimes seems to overwhelm him. He seems to have some problems controlling his emotions and temper that so many times he is not willing to listen to the people that he loves.

1. What are some better ways for Jared to deal with his anger at Mallory without violence? Use examples from Lucinda's Secret and your own life to support your answer.

2. Often times when someone is very angry they cry. What are some other ways that people express anger and how do you express anger? Is the way you express anger similar to Jared? Use examples from Lucinda's Secret and your own life to support your answer.

3. Do you think not listening to those people Jared loves causes his anger or is not listening a result of his anger? How might Jared have been helped if he would have listened to his sister? Do you think the fact that their father left might be some of the cause of Jared's anger? Why or why not? Use examples from Lucinda's Secret and your own life to support your answer.