Mossbelly MacFearsome and the Dwarves of Doom
#1 in Mossbelly MacFearsome Series
on Goodreads (14)
What’s inside...
Roger is just an ordinary boy, in an ordinary world – or so he thinks, until a grumpy dwarf warrior, Mossbelly MacFearsome, appears out of thin air and saves him from the school bully. If that isn’t incredible enough, now Moss has decided that Roger is the perfect human companion for his daring quest to defeat the dwarves’ arch-enemy Leatherhead Barnstorm and his horrifying horde of monstrous (but very polite) gorefiends. If Roger doesn’t help Moss, the world as we know it will be destroyed by ogres and dragons and the race of humans will be annihilated. If he does help, he will be late for his tea and his mum will be going mad with worry. A Highland castle, a trainee witch who knows karate, and an ancient spell to be broken – by King Golmar’s braces, just what has Roger got himself into? A hilarious action-packed fish-out-of-water adventure, perfect for young fans of Terry Pratchett, Neil Gaiman and Cressida Cowell.
Discussion points
What do you think makes Mossbelly MacFearsome a brave character?
How do you feel about the relationship between the dwarves and their adventures?
What would you do if you encountered challenges like Mossbelly?
Which part of the book was the most exciting for you, and why?
If you could have a magical power like one of the dwarves, what would it be and how would you use it?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to delve into the character of Mossbelly MacFearsome by asking what decisions they would make in his place.
Discuss the dynamics between characters to enhance social understanding and empathy.
Use excitement and challenges in the story as a bridge to discuss overcoming personal difficulties or fears with your child.
Celebrate your child's responses, especially when they express enthusiasm about parts of the story, to foster a love for reading.
Link discussions to real-life situations to make the book's themes more relatable and vivid.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of adversity
Explanation: Throughout the story, Mossbelly MacFearsome, a brave dwarf, faces various challenges and threats with courage and determination.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to face their own fears and challenges with bravery, whether that's trying something new or standing up for what's right.
Example Lesson: Importance of teamwork
Explanation: Mossbelly and other characters work together to overcome obstacles and defeat the villain, demonstrating the power of teamwork and cooperation.
Real-World Application: This lesson highlights to children the value of collaborating with others to achieve common goals, be it in school projects or sports.
Example Lesson: Embracing differences
Explanation: The story includes a diverse cast of characters, each with unique abilities and quirks that contribute to their shared mission.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to appreciate and embrace the diversity of people in their communities and learn that everyone has something valuable to contribute.
Example Lesson: Perseverance through difficulties
Explanation: Characters in the book often encounter setbacks, yet they persist and do not give up on their important mission.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of perseverance and resilience, skills that are fundamental when dealing with personal challenges or setbacks in school or life.
Example Lesson: The value of humor
Explanation: The book uses humor to engage readers and lighten the mood during tense scenes, showing how laughter can be a powerful tool for coping with difficulties.
Real-World Application: Children learn that humor can be a healthy way to deal with stress and challenges, improving their emotional and social skills.