Green Ember Literature Study: Host a Fantastic Book Club for Kids
This creative book club for The Green Ember by S. D. Smith was a delightful part of our ongoing monthly book clubs for kids. This first book in an epic adventure series inspired a fun celebration and discussion for both my girls’ and boys’ book clubs.
I have no doubt they will remember these characters and our adventure for years to come.
{This post contains affiliate links. Read my full disclosure.}
The Green Ember for Kids: A Literature Study To Remember
“My place beside you, my blood for yours. Till the Green Ember rises or the end of the world.”
The Green Ember by SD Smith is the first book in the Green Ember series. Our family listened to this story together on audible.
I’ll admit that it was a slow start for me but once the action and adventure kicked in, we were engaged until the exciting, cliff-hanger ending. Of course, this means that we are currently halfway through listening to the second book in the series, Ember Falls.
I knew we were going to have a fantastic book club celebrating this epic adventure story.
Two Different Green Ember Book Clubs For Kids
Two different moms planned two very different book clubs.
I planned on for the boys’ book club and my friend, Vickie, planned one for our girls’ book club. You can find Vickie on Instagram and on her blog.
Both groups had a fantastic time and the ideas from both book clubs can be combined.
The Green Ember Book Club #1: Battle Theme
The book club for the boys focused on rabbits (or boys) preparing for battle.
We began with a sewing activity completely inspired by my friend, Christy’s Instagram Book Club photo. Christy has been sharing pictures of her book clubs each month and I love borrowing some of the ideas!
I was shocked to learn that none of the boys (including my two) had tried any hand sewing before. They absolutely loved it.
I hot glued the red and green diamond onto the white circle prior to our book meeting. The boys stitched them onto the brown felt that they used to create a sash.
HINT: The needles were all pre-threaded and ready to go! I highly recommend this.
NOTE: The boys over the age of 8 had no issues with the sewing. They enjoyed it and used some of my extra felt to create a few of their own badges. My 7-year-old son had a hard time and one of the moms had to help him sew on his badge.
Want a FREE Celebrate a Book Guide for The Green Ember?
The Green Ember Book Club #2: Mended Wood Theme
Our Green Ember book club for the girls was decorated in the beauty and style of “Mended Wood”.
Instead of a battlefield, the Mended Wood is a place of beauty, peace, and healing that the rabbits hope for throughout the book.
The Green Ember Book Club: Food Ideas
Our food ideas included some of the following (though not all) at each book club:
Cheetos for swords
Milk chocolate covered raisins for rabbit droppings (ahem…silly)
Jumbo Marshmallows for rabbit talks
Green Jello Jigglers for the Green Ember
Pink cupcakes (in the Mended Wood)
Carrot sticks
Cheese and crackers
Nuts (cashews)
The Green Ember Book Club: Games
The girls’ book club began with the same game described in the first chapter of the book – a game of “Star Seek”.
When the girls arrived, they had to find a star hidden in the yard with their name on it. The stars were tied together with a red ribbon and each star contained the words: I accept you.
The boys created a star out of popsicle sticks as part of their activities. If there had been time at the end, the boys were going to play a modified game of star seek outside.
The Green Ember Book Club: Battles
I spray painted a tropical bird pinata with black paint to represent Morbin Blackhawk, the bird enemy of the rabbits.
The boys wore their battle sashes and defeated Morbin in just a few rounds of pinata. They had a fantastic time eating the spoils of war when the battle was over.
The Green Ember Book Club: Crafts
The girls created beautiful stained glass window displays.
They were given a circle cut from cardstock to draw images that were meaningful to them. They took their circle to the next room where they found contact paper that had been taped to the window using painters tape. They placed their circle in the center of the paper and then used tissue paper squares to cover the rest of the sticky contact paper.
Once they were finished, we secured their designs by sandwiching them between another layer of contact paper. Each girl was able to take home their beautiful window story.
We also created bookmarks by melting crayon shavings in between two sheets of wax paper using a hot iron. Once the crayon shavings were cooled down, the girls taped the waxed paper between cut rectangles of card stock.
To the Mended Wood…
If you love to celebrate books or host book club with your kids, then follow my Instagram Account and join our Facebook Discussion Group.
Want a FREE Celebrate a Book Guide for The Green Ember?
RELATED POSTS:
She believes that creativity, laughter, and fun are the backbone for engaging and inspiring homeschools. You can find her encouragement and tips on this blog, Mary Hanna Wilson.
She is an enneagram 7 and an extrovert. She enjoys traveling, tea (iced or hot), good conversations, and books. You can connect with her on Instagram and Facebook.
- 5 Simple Ideas to Encourage Creative Writing With Young Kids - May 3, 2023
- 24 Creative Ways to Have Fun with Your Family in May - April 27, 2023
- The Ultimate Guide to Poetry Collections for Kids - April 10, 2023
Love these ideas. We’re reading this in a couple of months. Can’t wait to steal your ideas!
I’m looking for discussion questions/prompts for each chapter. Do you know where I can find some perhaps?
Thank you!