Zinnia's Musical Adventure Discussion Questions

Comprehension Questions

Why did Zinnia go on an adventure?
Who were the animal friends Zinnia met along the way?
What did Zinnia see on the walls of the temple in Egypt?
What were the musicians reading while they played their instruments in medieval times?
Whose concert did Zinnia attend during the classical period?
What is jazz, and where did Zinnia learn about it?
Who were some of the musicians Zinnia saw at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?
What lesson did Zinnia learn about playing the flute at the end of her adventure?

Reflection Questions

Zinnia felt frustrated when she couldn’t play the flute right away. Have you ever had to practice something over and over before you got better? What was it?
Do you know how to play a musical instrument? If so, which one? If not, which one would you like to learn?
Who was your favorite character from the story (Moderato the Mammoth, Sonata the Sphinx, etc.)? Why?
If you could meet a famous musician from history, who would it be and what would you ask them?
How do you think Zinnia felt when she finally made a sound on her flute?
Zinnia’s adventure has its own soundtrack on Spotify! Which song is your favorite, and why do you think it fits the story?

Creative Thinking Questions

If you could time travel to any musical era which one would it be?
If music could change the world, what problem would you want music to solve?
Zinnia visited places like ancient Egypt, medieval Europe, and New Orleans. Where else would you like her to go in her next adventure?

Activities

Draw Your Music Friend: Design your own animal friend who plays music. What’s their name and what instrument do they play?
Create Your Own Instrument: Using paper, cardboard, or recycled items, make a pretend instrument and share the sound it would make.
Soundtrack to Zinnia’s Adventure: Choose songs or sounds you think match each chapter or era she visits.