Family, Friendship, and Growth
• The Lee family is filled with love and curiosity, but Addy, Kyle, and Bran often miss opportunities to connect with each other. How do these family dynamics shape Bran’s relationship with the Vale? Why does Bran think of their robots as his siblings? What moments in the story show how the Lees begin to understand one another better?
• Bran finds friendship difficult at first, especially outside the Vale, as he often sees the world in a way that others do not always understand. How do his ideas about friendship change over time? What roles do Piper, and even Jared, play in that journey?
• When Bran finds out certain truths about Uncle Roy, he feels deeply hurt and betrayed. But in the end, Bran chooses to show him mercy. Why do you think Bran does this? What does this choice say about his growth, and what might it cost or teach him?
• The Lees overcome enormous challenges as a family. What helps them succeed? What larger themes or lessons do you think their journey explores?
Technology
• Bran trains the Vale by feeding it classical stories, such as folktales and fairy tales. This is similar to how real AI is trained, which learns by studying large amounts of data (like books, images, and stories) to find patterns and make new connections. As you read, did you notice any of these old stories appearing in surprising ways? Which ones did you recognize, and how were they changed or reimagined?
• Some of the technologies in the novel are fictional, but many are inspired by real-world trends. Which ideas felt most believable or surprising? Did the story change your mind about what AI can do, or confirm what you already believed?
• The Vale is full of imagination but powered by AI. How does the story illustrate both the creative potential of AI and its limits? Do you believe AI can replicate human creativity?
• “Ethical people make ethical technology,” says Piper’s dad.
How is this idea explored in the story? Why might it matter who builds the technology we use every day?
• In the illustration of the final battle scene, how many Uncle
Roys can you spot?
World-building and Imagination
• Gnomly often speaks in unique ways, such as referring to their stolen goods as “their everythings.” How does the use of unique language in the Book of Elf help to shape the world itself?
• If you could build your own version of the Vale, what would it look like?