Here are questions you can ask at the end of each chapter to help children process the key elements of the story and message. We've provided answers to help you in case you want to prompt or point out anything that is missed but it's very important to encourage the children to think about and find their own answers to the questions first.

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Chapter 1: A Broken Dream

1. How does Robin feel about himself because of his choir troubles?

 

Robin feels worthless and like a failure - he even calls himself "useless" and believes he's not "cut out for choir" because others are making fun of his voice. We can see his sadness affecting everything, even making him lose interest in his favorite dessert.

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2. Why does Robin's father give him quiet time before asking about what's wrong?

 

Robin's father knows that giving Robin space to think and choose when to talk will help him feel more comfortable sharing his feelings. Instead of pushing Robin to talk, he shows patience and trust by waiting until Robin is ready.

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3. Why might finding an old instrument in the basement be more special than getting a new one?

 

Finding the old instrument in the basement creates a connection to Robin's father's past and suggests there might be more to learn about both the instrument and his father. It's also an opportunity for Robin to discover value in something that isn't obviously perfect.

Chapter 2: A Brief Mystery

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1. How does Mr. Bumblewing show kindness to Robin even when he can't offer much for the lute?​

 

Mr. Bumblewing takes time to carefully examine the lute and share its history with Robin. He also offers Robin a special trinket from his travels, showing that he cares about making Robin feel better even though he can't buy the lute.

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2. Why does Robin decide to keep the old lute instead of trading it away?

 

Robin begins to feel a connection to the instrument after learning about its special history and the Diallo mark. Even though it's not worth much money, he decides that maybe he could learn to play it instead.

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3. What does Mr. Bumblewing help Robin understand about the lute's history?

 

Mr. Bumblewing helps Robin understand that the lute is a special "Diallo" instrument made by skilled artisans, and that while these instruments were once very valuable, they became rare when lyres became popular again.

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Chapter 3: A Boisterous Companion
 

1. How do Garret and Robin's father feel differently about old things?​

 

Garret quickly judges the lute as worthless because it's old and doesn't work right away, while Robin's father sees the potential value in old things and knows they might just need proper understanding to work.

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2. Why does Robin feel like giving up on the lute after Garret tries to help?

 

When Garret can't make the lute work and breaks it, Robin loses hope because he trusts his friend's judgment as a good musician. This reinforces his belief that the instrument is worthless.

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3. What does Robin's father mean when he tells Robin not to "take anyone's word for it"?

 

He's teaching Robin not to give up just because others say something isn't good enough. He wants Robin to look deeper and find out for himself instead of accepting others' quick judgments.

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Chapter 4: A Bungled Breakdown

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1. What does it tell us about Robin that he decides to try one more time with the lute?

 

It shows that Robin is learning to be persistent and trust his father's wisdom. Even though he's discouraged, he's willing to give the lute one more chance instead of giving up completely.

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2. How do the professors at Arkenfold treat old instruments differently from Robin's father?

 

The professors treat examining instruments like a show, making grand gestures and performances. Robin's father, in contrast, treats instruments with genuine care and understanding of how they work.

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3. How does Robin feel when the professors say the lute is worthless?

 

Robin feels completely disappointed and defeated, especially because he trusted these experts would see something special in the lute. Their judgment seems to confirm all his doubts.

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Chapter 5: A Bold Reveal

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1. Why do you think Robin's father waited until this moment to show everyone how special the lute is?

 

He waited so Robin could learn an important lesson about not judging by appearances or others' opinions. By revealing the truth at this moment, he creates a powerful demonstration of how wrong even "experts" can be.

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2. How do people's feelings about the lute change when they hear it played properly?

 

They go from seeing it as worthless to being amazed and offering thousands of gold talens for it. Their entire perception changes when they hear its true beautiful sound.

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3. What makes Robin's father's playing different from how others treated the lute?

 

Robin's father plays with genuine emotion and deep understanding of the instrument. He knows exactly how to handle it with care and love, bringing out its true beautiful sound, unlike others who just tried to force it to work.

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Chapter 6: A Brighter View

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1. What important lesson does Robin learn about judging things too quickly?

 

Robin learns that just because something appears broken or worthless on the surface doesn't mean it truly is - you need to understand something properly before judging its value.

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2. Why does Robin's father say to go to "those who love you" when you need to know your value?

 

People who love you understand your true worth because they know your heart, dreams, and potential. They won't judge you just by surface appearances or quick impressions like others might.

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3. How might this help Robin feel differently about his choir troubles?

 

Robin can now understand that struggling with choir doesn't make him worthless, just as the lute wasn't worthless when it seemed broken. He learns that he shouldn't judge his own value by others' quick judgments or temporary struggles.

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The End

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What does The Broken Lute have to say to you about your own value?

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