Rumblestar
#1 of 3 in The Unmapped Chronicles Series
on Goodreads (1,217)
What’s inside...
Eleven-year-old Casper Tock, who dislikes risks and adventures, accidentally enters Rumblestar, an Unmapped Kingdom filled with magical creatures. There he learns that Rumblestar is threatened by an evil harpy, Morg, who wants to steal its magic. Casper teams up with Utterly Thankless and her dragon, Arlo, to stop Morg and save both the Unmapped Kingdoms and his own world. Together, they face various magical beings in a quest to protect the magic of the Unmapped Kingdoms in this new series by Abi Elphinstone.
Character compass
Casper Tock
Arlo
Utterly Thankless
Morg
Discussion points
What do you think motivated Casper to go on his adventure in Rumblestar?
How do the different magical creatures in the book help Casper on his journey? Which one was your favorite and why?
What lessons do you think Casper learned by the end of the story?
How would you use the magical map if you had one? Where would you want to go?
If you could be friends with any character from Rumblestar, who would it be and what would you do together?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing your own thoughts on the book, perhaps what you thought about the magical world of Rumblestar or the characters, to encourage an open dialogue.
Ask questions about specific parts or characters of the book to see how your child interpreted these elements and to foster critical thinking.
Relate the themes or situations in the book to real-life scenarios or decisions your child might face, to help them connect with the story on a personal level.
Encourage your child to draw or create something inspired by the book, such as a map of their own magical world, to deepen their engagement and understanding of the story’s themes.
Discuss the importance of bravery and perseverance as demonstrated by Casper, and ask your child to share a moment when they had to be brave.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in overcoming fears
Explanation: The protagonist, Casper Tock, confronts his fears as he embarks on an adventurous journey in Rumblestar. Despite his initial reservations and anxieties, Casper learns to face challenges bravely.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by embracing challenges in their own lives, whether it's trying new activities, standing up for themselves, or addressing their fears in social interactions.
Example Lesson: Importance of friendship and teamwork
Explanation: Casper forms a deep bond with Utterly Thankless and together they navigate the magical world. Their collaboration and trust in each other's abilities are key to their success.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of building friendships and working cooperatively in group settings like school projects or sports, emphasizing that teamwork can lead to achieving great goals.
Example Lesson: Responsibility for one's actions
Explanation: Throughout the book, characters make choices that have significant consequences. The story highlights the importance of thinking decisions through and being accountable for outcomes.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to consider the consequences of their actions in daily life, understanding that their choices affect not only themselves but also those around them.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: Casper and his friends encounter numerous obstacles in Rumblestar. Their perseverance, even when the odds are against them, is a central theme of the book.
Real-World Application: This lesson can inspire children to persist through difficulties in their academic studies or personal endeavors, reinforcing the idea that perseverance is key to overcoming obstacles.
Example Lesson: Appreciation for diversity and different perspectives
Explanation: The various characters in the book come from different backgrounds and have unique viewpoints, which enrich their adventure and solutions to problems.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to embrace diversity in their communities and schools, appreciating that different perspectives can lead to richer experiences and innovative solutions.