The Squire's Tale
#1 in The Squire's Tales Series
on Goodreads (9,577)
What’s inside...
The Squire's Tale, by Gerald Morris, is a retelling of the Arthurian legends from the perspective of a young squire named Terence. Terence becomes the squire to Sir Gawain, one of King Arthur's Knights of the Round Table. As they embark on various adventures, Terence discovers that he has magical abilities and a mysterious heritage linked to the Other World, a realm of faeries and magic. Alongside Sir Gawain, Terence encounters enchantresses, dragons, and other mythical creatures. He also learns valuable lessons about chivalry, honor, and the complexities of human nature. Throughout the story, Terence grows from a naive boy into a wise and courageous young man, ready to face whatever challenges lie ahead. The novel blends humor, fantasy, and medieval history to create an engaging tale that reimagines the classic Arthurian world for a new generation of readers.
Character compass
Terence
Sir Gawain
Discussion points
What qualities do you think make Terence a good squire? How do you think these qualities help him in his adventures?
If you had a magical power like the one Terence discovers, how would you choose to use it?
How do the characters in the story show friendship and loyalty? Can you share an example from the book?
What did you learn about knights and squires from this story? How do they compare to modern-day heroes?
Tip: Role play these questions
Begin by asking your child what they liked most about the story, allowing them to express their initial thoughts and feelings openly.
Encourage your child to think about the choices Terence makes, asking them what they might have done differently in his place and why.
Highlight the themes of loyalty and friendship in the book, discussing with your child the importance of these qualities in their own life.
Connect the magical elements of the story to your child’s imagination by asking them to think of their own magical adventure.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The value of loyalty
Explanation: In 'The Squire's Tale', the character Terence demonstrates unwavering loyalty to his master Sir Gawain, showcasing faithfulness in various challenging situations.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of being loyal and supportive friends or family members in their everyday interactions.
Example Lesson: The importance of honesty
Explanation: The protagonist emphasizes truthfulness throughout the story, making critical decisions based on honesty which eventually lead to positive outcomes.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand the significance of being truthful in their daily activities and the positive impact it can have on their relationships and self-esteem.
Example Lesson: Courage to face challenges
Explanation: Various characters in the book, including Terence and Gawain, display courage when confronting dangers and unknown situations, emphasizing bravery over fear.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by bravely facing their own challenges, whether it be at school, in sports, or in social settings, understanding that courage can lead to personal growth and success.
Example Lesson: The power of kindness
Explanation: Throughout the tale, acts of kindness, both large and small, play crucial roles in overcoming adversity and building alliances.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to practice kindness in everyday life, fostering positive interactions and relationships with others.
Example Lesson: Respect for diversity
Explanation: As characters from different backgrounds come together in the story, the theme of respecting and embracing diversity is highlighted, showing how it leads to a richer, more cooperative environment.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to respect and appreciate differences among their peers, promoting inclusivity and empathy in their community and beyond.