Nightmares of Weirdwood
#3 of 3 in William Shivering Series
What’s inside...
In this action-packed and hilarious fantasy trilogy finale by Newbery Honor-winning author Christian McKay Heidicker, two former thieves, Arthur and Wally, find themselves on opposite sides of an earth-shattering conflict. Arthur, now a Novitiate of the Wardens of Weirdwood, defends the border between the Real and Imaginary worlds, while Wally and his brother Graham aim to destroy it and create a new world. At the same time, the sinister Order of Eldar, led by the Eraser, plan to unleash chaos by allowing dangerous creatures of imagination to roam free. In this exhilarating conclusion to the Weirdwood series, the boundaries between reality and fantasy are irrevocably shattered.
Character compass
Arthur Trout
Wally
Discussion points
What do you think the main characters learned at the end of the story?
How would you handle the situation if you were in the main character's shoes?
What are some ways the characters showed bravery?
How do you think friendship plays a role in this story?
How would you change the ending if you had the chance?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the storyline and characters, reinforcing that all opinions are valued.
Relate the themes or challenges in the book to real-life situations your child may face, fostering deeper understanding and empathy.
Ask your child to pick their favorite character and explain why, enhancing their ability to analyze and articulate thoughts.
Use dramatic voice tones and expressions when discussing the book to make the conversation more lively and engaging.
Before flipping through the pages, ask predictive questions about what might happen next to build anticipation and curiosity.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of fear
Explanation: The characters in 'Nightmares of Weirdwood' often face eerie and frightening challenges. Throughout the story, they learn to confront their fears and overcome obstacles with bravery.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by facing their personal fears, whether it’s trying out for a sports team, standing up to a bully, or sleeping alone in the dark.
Example Lesson: The importance of teamwork
Explanation: The protagonists must work together, utilizing each of their unique strengths, to navigate the mysterious events occurring in Weirdwood. This collaboration is crucial for their success.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of cooperating with others to achieve common goals, such as during group projects at school or in team sports.
Example Lesson: Resilience through adversity
Explanation: As the plot unfolds, characters encounter setbacks and must learn to persevere and not give up. Their resilience helps them to eventually triumph.
Real-World Application: Children learn that persistence is key to overcoming difficulties in real life, such as mastering a new skill or dealing with academic challenges.
Example Lesson: Empathy for others
Explanation: Characters in the book often face dilemmas that require understanding and helping each other, showcasing the importance of empathy.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be considerate and understand different perspectives, which is crucial in building meaningful relationships and fostering an inclusive environment.
Example Lesson: Creativity as a problem-solving tool
Explanation: In several scenes, characters use creative solutions to navigate through the magical and often perplexing world of Weirdwood.
Real-World Application: Children are inspired to use their imagination and creativity to solve problems, whether in academic settings or in their daily interactions.