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The Kingdom of Fantasy
Last updated Tuesday, May 5, 2026
Author: Geronimo Stilto
Date of Publication: 2009
ISBN: 0545980259
Grade Level: 4th (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: May 2026
Synopsis:
In this graphic novel:
"I knew from the start that it was no ordinary day, but I certainly didn't expect to find a golden staircase in my attic. Up at the top, there was a door. And beyond the door was a world I never could have imagined - the Kingdom of Fantasy! Along with my guide, a frog named Scribblehopper, I set off on an incredible adventure to save the Queen of the Fairies. But along the way, I had to face giant scorpions, witches, sea serpents, pixies, and dozens of other creatures that I had only ever heard stories about. Holey cheese, what a journey! Could I save the Queen... and my own tail?"
| Note to readers: |
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Skip archaic terms like "pygmy" and omit appropriated Sumo "chubby wrestler" (pg.69).
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The cultural legends are abridged, edited, or not verifiable; encourage students to research
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| Discussion topics for before reading: |
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Look at the cover art. Do you think anything supernatural will occur in the story? Why?
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If you were to choose background music for reading, what would you choose and why?
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How can using a map help to explore someplace new (like a garden, museum, or school)? What is usually included on the map?
Vocabulary
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Scuttling (pg. 65) - moving about quickly like in a short run.
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Glinted (pg.184) - light reflected in a bright, sparkling, or shiny way.
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Ailing (pg. 193) - suffering from illness or injury.
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Gnashed (pg. 220) - rubbed or ground one's teeth together in anger or pain.
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Cataract (pg. 225) - condition where the eye's lens becomes cloudy and impairs vision.
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| Discussion topics for during/after reading: |
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What does it mean if someone's acting "cheesy"? Is it like joking?
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If Geronimo is running a newspaper, what skills can he use during an adventure?
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Ask the students if they can recite the names of the growing Order of the Fairy Queen as each new member joins (reference full list at the beginning of the text).
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What do you think the author wanted us to learn from the book after reading?
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| Craft ideas: |
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Make an origami kusudama paper flower to celebrate AAPI month.
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Make a paper bouquet for someone you want to honor on Mother's Day.
See this Pinterest board for ideas on the above:
https://www.pinterest.com/tanyacarabio/draft_may-2026-fantasy-folklore-fairytales/
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Create a heart or butterfly bracelet & add "Thanks for helping me grow! Happy Mother's Day" or "I soar with you! Happy Mother's Day".
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| Special activities: |
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Using the example, "rotten rats' teeth!", make a similar sentence using the following animals: giraffe, panda, and walrus (Hint: the first two words share the same letter).
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On pg. 31 there is a coded message. Reference pg. 315 to uncover the secret letter's meaning.
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*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!
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