Everdark
The Unmapped Chronicles Series
What’s inside...
Everdark is a fantasy adventure novel by Abi Elphinstone that marks the start of The Unmapped Chronicles series. The story revolves around a brave young girl named Smudge and an eccentric sky captain named Bartholomew. They embark on a perilous journey to the magical kingdom of Crackledawn, where they must prevent the evil harpy Morg from stealing the phoenix's powers and plunging the world into eternal darkness. As Smudge overcomes her dyslexia and discovers her own inner strength and potential for greatness, she and Bartholomew encounter fantastical creatures, face numerous challenges, and unravel the mysteries of their world's forgotten magic. Their quest to reignite the phoenix's fire and save the Unmapped Kingdoms is a tale of courage, friendship, and the power of imagination.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
8-9
Length
240 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Smudge
Bartholomew Tullock
Morg
Discussion points
What do you think motivated Smudge to embark on her adventure in Everdark?
How do the different characters contribute to the story's journey? Which character did you relate to the most and why?
What lessons do you think Everdark teaches about bravery and friendship?
If you were in the Unmapped Kingdoms, what magical power would you like to have and why?
How do you think the story would change if it was set in the present day?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the book’s events, asking them how they would feel in similar situations.
Discuss the concept of teamwork in the story and correlate it to real-life scenarios in school or family.
Ask your child to draw their favorite scene or character from the book. This can help them connect visually and emotionally with the story.
Create a 'what-if' game where you both guess alternative endings or plot twists based on the characters' decisions.
Highlight the importance of perseverance and resilience displayed by characters, relating them to personal experiences or future aspirations.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage and bravery
Explanation: In 'Everdark,' the protagonist, Smudge, embarks on a perilous journey to save her world. Despite facing daunting challenges, her courage never wavers.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to face their fears and overcome obstacles, whether it's trying out for a sports team, standing up to a bully, or tackling a difficult subject at school.
Example Lesson: Importance of friendship
Explanation: Throughout 'Everdark,' Smudge relies on her friends and learns that teamwork and cooperation are essential. Their collective efforts are pivotal in overcoming evil forces.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of building and maintaining friendships and how collaborative efforts can solve complex problems.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: As Smudge faces setback after setback, her ability to persevere is highlighted. Her resilience is an integral part of her character and key to her success.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of not giving up when faced with difficulties, understanding that persistence is often necessary to achieve goals.
Example Lesson: The power of curiosity and knowledge
Explanation: Smudge's quest is driven by her desire to learn and discover more about her world, leading her to uncover ancient truths and new strategies to help in her battle.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to be curious, seek knowledge, and understand the world around them, enhancing their educational growth and problem-solving skills.
Example Lesson: Responsibility and leadership
Explanation: Smudge, though young, takes on great responsibility and grows into a leader. Her journey teaches her the qualities necessary to guide others and make impactful decisions.
Real-World Application: Kids are inspired to take initiative, be responsible in their tasks, and develop leadership skills that will be useful in group settings at school and beyond.