Fablehaven by Brandon Mull - Chapter 1 - A Mandatory Vacation

Summary

In 'Fablehaven,' siblings Kendra and Seth are sent to stay with their reclusive grandparents at a mysterious estate in Connecticut while their parents embark on a Scandinavian cruise. The children discover an attic playroom filled with old toys and a hen named Goldilocks, but are warned against venturing into the woods due to tick season and Lyme disease. As they settle into their temporary home, they are intrigued by the oddities of the house and the surrounding property, setting the stage for an adventure that promises both mystery and magic.

Takeaways

• 🚗 Kendra and her family are on a long drive to her grandparents' house in Connecticut.
• 🕹️ Kendra's brother, Seth, is bored with his video game and asks about their Grandpa Sorensen living in India.
• 🍫 Their dad loves Almond Roca and keeps some in the car for snacks.
• 🚢 Kendra's parents are going on a 17-day Scandinavian cruise, leaving Kendra and Seth with their grandparents.
• 😢 Kendra is sad because she barely knows her grandparents and overheard that they didn't want to host them.
• 🏡 Grandpa Sorensen's house is large with extensive grounds, including a big barn.
• 🐓 In the attic playroom, there are toys and a pet hen named Goldilocks.
• ❌ Grandpa warns them about Lyme disease from ticks and forbids them from going into the woods or the barn.
• 📺 There's no TV or radio in the house, but plenty of toys and activities.
• 🗝️ Grandpa gives Kendra a set of keys to find what they unlock in the playroom.

Q & A

What is the name of the book series and its author?

The book series is called 'Fablehaven' and is written by Brandon Mull.

Who is the narrator of the story?

The story is narrated by a deep voice, but the character narrating the events is Kendra.

Why are Kendra and Seth going to stay with their grandparents?

Kendra and Seth are going to stay with their grandparents because their parents are going on a 17-day Scandinavian cruise.

What is the reason for the family cruise?

The family cruise is a result of a stipulation in the will of Kendra's grandparents, who wanted their children and their spouses to go on a Scandinavian Cruise after their death.

Why does Kendra feel uneasy about staying with Grandpa Sorensen?

Kendra feels uneasy because she overheard her parents discussing the arrangements at the funeral and Grandpa Sorensen's reluctance to have the children stay with him.

What is the name of the housekeeper at Grandpa Sorensen's house?

The housekeeper's name is Lena.

What is the unusual feature of the house that Kendra finds?

The unusual feature of the house is that it has an attic that is set up as a cheerful playroom with various toys and a hen named Goldilocks.

What is the rule about the woods and the barn that Grandpa Sorensen sets for Kendra and Seth?

Grandpa Sorensen forbids Kendra and Seth from entering the woods and the barn due to the dangers of ticks and unsafe equipment.

What task does Grandpa Sorensen assign to Kendra and Seth regarding Goldilocks the hen?

Grandpa Sorensen asks Kendra and Seth to take care of Goldilocks by feeding her, cleaning her cage, and collecting her eggs.

What does Grandpa Sorensen give Kendra and what is its purpose?

Grandpa Sorensen gives Kendra a set of three miniature keys and challenges her to figure out what each key unlocks in the playroom.

What is the significance of the telescope in the playroom?

The telescope in the playroom allows Kendra and Seth to look out the window and observe the surrounding forest, but the images are distorted due to the bubbly glass of the window.

What is the peculiar detail about the calendar in the playroom?

The peculiar detail about the calendar is that it is from the year 1953, which seems out of place in the context of the story.