Chapter 1 - The Rope Swing

How did Rico feel when it began to rain? Why did he feel this way?

(He was sad that he had to go back to the cabin, and was hoping that he could spend his last day enjoying the lake.)

What do you do when you have to stop doing something you are enjoying? Is there anything that helps you to feel better?

(Discuss ways they can practice positivity and flexibility.) 

Chapter 2 - The Rainy Day

How do the boys feel about their little sister Araceli? 

(They see her as a little pest at times, and get frustrated when she gets in their way. 

Why do you think Araceli acts the way she does?

(She is young and may feel left out. She is looking for ways to connect with her older brothers, and may act out at times because of this.)

Is there anything that Rico and Diego could have done differently with their sister? 

(Include her, pay attention to her, speak kindly to her.)

Do you have any predictions about the puzzle? What do you think is going to happen? Would you touch the puzzle if you didn't know what was going to happen?

Chapter 3 - Into the Puzzle

When Rico and Diego entered into the puzzle, they experienced a lot of emotions in a short time. What are some of the feelings they felt? Why did they feel that way or how could you tell?

(Excitement, amusement, fear, pain, relief, curiosity, anticipation)

Chapter 4 - The Treasure Hunt

How did the boys feel about including Araceli in the treasure hunt?

(They were irritated and not very excited about it. They only decided to include her because Papi told them to, but then they remembered that she had been helpful in the past.)

What does the "birthplace" of a river mean?

(This is the place where the river begins flowing.) 

What animal avatar would you have chosen? Why? 

(black bear, muskrat, pileated woodpecker, loon)

Chapter 5 - Itasca

What are instincts? Do you think it's possible to adopt animal instincts in virtual reality?

(Instincts are the natural ways that animals behave. It probably wouldn't be possible in real life, but it may be possible because this virtual reality is special advanced technology that Don Toño has created.)

Do you think people really speak like Leonard the loon in Minnesota? Have you heard this before?

(There may be differing opinions. This is a stereotypical way of speaking in Minnesota, heavily influenced by Scandinavian immigrants. However, you will likely not hear this kind of speech very much in the city. You may hear a bit more up north or in smaller towns. However, often stereotypes exaggerate, and though they have elements of truth, they take it to an extreme.)

Have you heard of "Minnesota Nice?" What does this mean to you?Do you think it's good to act nice even if you don't really feel it?

(This is a cultural stereotype that Minnesotans tend to be friendly and polite on the surface, even if they may not always  mean it.) 

Why didn't Lonny want to help Rico and Diego? Did his feelings change? 

(He didn't like that his dad forced him to help them. However, they ended up becoming friends and having a nice time together.)

Have you had a similar experience? Did they become friends? Is there ever a time we should include others because it's the kind thing to do?

(Discuss if they are ever asked to include someone. How did it turn out?) 

Chapter 6

How did Araceli help out in the search for the headwaters?

(She flew overhead and found the crossing.)

How did Rico and Diego show kindness to Araceli?

(They recognized her efforts and allowed her to take the credit for finding the headwaters. They  allowed her to cross first, and asked if she was OK when they thought she was sad. By including her in this way, they helped her to feel important and loved.)

Chapter 7

When they arrived at the cabin, what happened to the agate?

(They chased after Araceli thinking she had it, but she really had another toy. They discovered that the agate remained in virtual reality.)

Have you ever heard of Gooseberry Falls? What do you predict is the "tiny treasure" that is lost? 

(Make predictions based on the clue.)

Kindness

Read the following verse.  What does it tell us about kindness? How did the Martinez kids show kindness in the story?

4 Love is patient. Love is kind. It does not want what belongs to others. It does not brag. It is not proud. 

1 Corinthians 13:4 NIRV

(Kindness can take on many different forms. We can show kindness to the poeple around us by treating them with generosity and humility.)

Helpfulness

Read the following verse.  How does being helpful to other people make a difference? 

35 I was hungry. And you gave me something to eat. I was thirsty. And you gave me something to drink. I was a stranger. And you invited me in. 36 I needed clothes. And you gave them to me. I was sick. And you took care of me. I was in prison. And you came to visit me.’ 

40 “The King will reply, ‘What I’m about to tell you is true. Anything you did for one of the least important of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ 

Matthew 25:35-36, 40 NIRV

(When we help people with practical needs, we are actually serving the Lord and showing them his love.)