Beyond the Deepwoods: The Edge Chronicles #1
#4 of 13 in The Edge Chronicles (chronological) Series
What’s inside...
Abandoned at birth in the perilous Deepwoods, Twig Verginix is brought up by a family of woodtrolls. One cold night, Twig does what no woodtroll has ever done before – he strays from the path. So begins a heart-stopping adventure that will take Twig through a nightmare world of fearsome goblins, bloodthirsty beasts and flesh-eating trees. Can he discover the truth about his past? Beyond the Deepwoods is the first book of the Twig Saga – second trilogy in The Edge Chronicles. Each book is a stand-alone adventure, so you can read The Edge Chronicles in any order you choose. Young Twig lives in the Deepwoods, among the Woodtrolls, but he isn’t one of them. In a brave attempt to find out where he belongs, Twig wanders into the mysterious, dangerous world beyond the Deepwoods. He meets a collection of odd companions, such as his wise guardian, the Caterbird; the Slaughterers, a peaceful race who butcher animals for their livelihood; and the vicious, bile-swilling Rotsucker. Always watching out for the horrible Gloamglozer, whose presence haunts the thoughts of all the inhabitants of The Edge, Twig steadfastly pursues his quest until he discovers his roots, not among the trees, but in the skies.
Character compass
Twig
Banderbear
Discussion points
What do you think made Twig choose to venture into the Deepwoods, and would you have made the same choice?
How do Twig's friendships change his journey? Can you relate to how he feels about his friends?
What are some ways Twig shows bravery throughout the story? What would you have done in his place?
How do the creatures Twig encounters help or hinder his adventure? Which creature was your favorite and why?
At the end of the book, Twig discovers a lot about his past. How do you think this changes how he sees himself?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts by relating the story's situations to their own experiences.
Ask your child what they would have done differently if they were Twig, fostering a deeper connection with the character's decisions and dilemmas.
Discuss the importance of friendship and bravery demonstrated throughout the book, highlighting how these themes are applicable to their everyday life.
Use descriptive scenes in the book to help your child imagine and describe the Deepwoods, boosting their creativity and comprehension skills.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The value of courage and perseverance
Explanation: Throughout the book, the protagonist, Twig, embarks on a journey alone into the mysterious Deepwoods, facing various unknown creatures and challenges. His courage and determination to forge ahead, despite his fears and uncertainties, highlight the virtues of bravery and perseverance.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by tackling challenging tasks or new activities with determination and not being deterred by fear of the unknown. It teaches them the importance of persisting even when situations are daunting.
Example Lesson: The importance of making informed decisions
Explanation: Twig encounters various creatures and must decide who to trust and how to navigate complex situations. His decisions, good and bad, affect his journey significantly, showing the impacts of one's choices.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand that their decisions have consequences and that thinking critically and seeking advice when unsure can lead to better outcomes in their daily interactions and decisions.
Example Lesson: The significance of friendship and trust
Explanation: As Twig meets and interacts with different characters, he learns who to trust and develops friendships, which play crucial roles in his survival and success. This depicts the value of building trust and the strength found in friendships.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of building meaningful relationships and trusting others while being cautious. It encourages them to be supportive friends and to rely on their friends' support when needed.
Example Lesson: Embracing one’s identity
Explanation: Throughout his adventures, Twig learns more about his origins and background, helping him accept and embrace his identity. This journey of self-discovery is important in shaping his character and actions.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to appreciate their unique qualities and backgrounds, fostering a strong sense of self and confidence in their personal journey, despite differences they may perceive between themselves and others.