Cart and Cwidder (Dalemark Quartet Book 1)
#1 of 4 in The Dalemark Quartet Series
What’s inside...
When their father, a traveling minstrel, is killed, three children involved in rebellion and intrigue inherit a lute-like cwidder with more than musical powers. This first volume relates the fortunes of Clennen and his family, itinerant musicians who travel the lanes of Dalemark. With warring earldoms and spies everywhere, few people move between North and South, so the musicians often carry news--and sometimes, as now, a passenger. When violence overtakes them, the family's fate and the mysterious Kialan's are bound together in terror and flight--and in music, for the songs of Dalemark mean more than they say.
Discussion points
What do you think motivated Moril to use the cwidder the way he did?
How do the different characters in 'Cart and Cwidder' show bravery or courage?
Why is it important for the characters to travel in this story, and what do they learn from their journeys?
Do you think communication and understanding between different regions in the story was easy or difficult? Why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think deeply about the characters’ motivations and decisions, and how they might relate to their own personal experiences. Ask them to consider the importance of communication and understanding in resolving conflicts, both in the book and in real life. Share personal experiences of travel or learning from different cultures to make the discussion relatable and enriching.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of unity and cooperation
Explanation: In 'Cart and Cwidder', the characters must work together to overcome various challenges, highlighting the necessity of teamwork.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by collaborating with peers during group activities at school or in sports, understanding that teamwork can lead to achieving common goals.
Example Lesson: The value of courage in adversity
Explanation: The protagonist faces significant challenges and dangers, demonstrating bravery and perseverance throughout their journey.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be brave in facing their own challenges, such as trying new activities or standing up for what is right, even when it's difficult.
Example Lesson: The consequences of choices
Explanation: Throughout the book, characters make choices that lead to various outcomes, teaching the readers about responsibility and decision-making.
Real-World Application: Children learn that their choices have consequences, teaching them to think carefully and make wise decisions in their daily interactions and problem-solving tasks.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding different perspectives
Explanation: As the story unfolds, characters from diverse backgrounds share their stories, fostering a sense of empathy and understanding.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children appreciate diversity and practice empathy by encouraging them to listen and understand people's different life experiences and viewpoints.
Example Lesson: The significance of persistence
Explanation: Characters in the novel often face setbacks, but their persistence in overcoming obstacles is prominently displayed.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of not giving up easily in the face of difficulties, whether in completing a tough homework assignment or mastering a new skill.