#1 in The Nevermoor series
Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow
What’s inside...
Morrigan Crow is a cursed child, destined to die on her eleventh birthday. But as the clock ticks ever closer, a strange and remarkable man named Jupiter North appears. Chased by black-smoke hounds and shadowy hunters on horseback, he whisks her away into the safety of a secret, magical city called Nevermoor. It's there that Morrigan discovers Jupiter has chosen her to contend for a place in the city's most prestigious organization: the Wundrous Society. In order to join, she must compete in four difficult and dangerous trials against hundreds of other children, each boasting an extraordinary talent that sets them apart - an extraordinary talent that Morrigan insists she does not have. To stay in the safety of Nevermoor for good, Morrigan will need to find a way to pass the tests - or she'll have to leave the city to confront her deadly fate.
Character compass
Discussion points
What do you think makes Morrigan Crow a unique character, and how does she change throughout her journey in Nevermoor?
How do the friendships Morrigan forms influence her view of the world and her decisions? Can you relate to any of her experiences with her friends?
What are some of the challenges Morrigan faces and how does she overcome them? What can we learn from her resilience?
The world of Nevermoor is full of fantastical elements. What is one aspect of the world that intrigued you the most, and why?
If you had a chance to take part in the trials, which one would you be most excited or nervous about, and how would you approach it?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by asking your child how they feel about Morrigan and her adventures, which helps personalize the conversation.
Explore the themes of friendship and bravery together, discussing personal experiences that relate to the story to deepen understanding.
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in the fantastical world of Nevermoor, asking them how they might feel or react to certain magical elements or trials.
Discuss the moral choices characters make, such as facing fears or standing up for friends, and relate these choices back to real-life scenarios your child might face.
Focus on the growth of characters in the story, prompting your child to think about how they, too, can grow and face challenges with courage.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: Morrigan Crow, the protagonist, faces numerous challenges due to being born on an unlucky day. Despite this, she perseveres and demonstrates resilience throughout her trials in Nevermoor.
Real-World Application: Children learn that obstacles are part of life and can be overcome with determination and courage, teaching them to face their own challenges with resilience.
Example Lesson: The importance of friendship and trust
Explanation: Throughout the story, Morrigan develops friendships that play crucial roles in her journey. These relationships are built on trust and help her navigate the trials she faces.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of building and maintaining trustful relationships, and how collaboration and support can help overcome difficulties.
Example Lesson: Embrace uniqueness and self-acceptance
Explanation: Morrigan is shown to embrace her uniqueness despite being treated as an outcast due to superstitions in her society. Her journey is one of self-discovery and acceptance.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate what makes them unique and to embrace their individual qualities, fostering a sense of self-worth and confidence.
Example Lesson: Courage to confront the unknown
Explanation: Morrigan faces the unknown when she enters the magical world of Nevermoor, showing courage despite her fears.
Real-World Application: It encourages children to approach new experiences and changes with bravery, highlighting the growth that comes from stepping out of one’s comfort zone.
Example Lesson: The power of curiosity and learning
Explanation: Morrigan's journey in Nevermoor is filled with moments of learning and discovery, driven by her curiosity about the new world she is part of.
Real-World Application: This highlights the importance of curiosity as a driving force for learning and personal growth, encouraging children to seek knowledge and explore the world around them.