Harper and the Night Forest
#3 of 4 in Harper Series
What’s inside...
Harper is on a mission to find the mythical Ice Raven, a creature rumored to live among the ebony trees and sing a magical song that can melt even the hardest of hearts. Along with her friends, Harper embarks on a journey that takes them from the mysterious Night Forest, where fairy tales are more than they seem, to the City of Singing Clocks. However, as they get closer to finding the Ice Raven, Harper faces a moral dilemma about whether such a wild and free creature should ever be captured. The third book in the Harper series, this tale is filled with friendship, music, fairy tales, and magic, and features a diverse cast brought to life through stunning illustrations.
Discussion points
What was your favorite part of Harper's adventure in the night forest? Why did you like it?
How do you think Harper felt when she discovered the hidden secrets of the forest? Can you relate to her feelings?
What would you do if you were in Harper's place during her journey in the night forest?
Why do you think the animals in the forest needed Harper’s help?
If you could add another character to the story, who would it be and what role would they play?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, ask your child what they think the night forest might be like and what kind of creatures might live there.
While reading, pause to discuss Harper’s decisions and ask if your child would have done something differently.
After reading, encourage your child to draw their favorite scene or character from the book to further engage with the story.
Create a comfortable and distraction-free reading environment to make the adventure more immersive and enjoyable.
Relate the themes of courage and curiosity in the book to real-life situations your child could face, enhancing their connection to Harper’s experiences.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in facing fears
Explanation: Harper, the protagonist, ventures into the mysterious Night Forest, a place that initially scares her. Throughout her journey, she overcomes various challenges, showcasing her bravery.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to confront their own fears, whether it’s trying out new activities or facing difficult situations at school, taking inspiration from Harper’s courage.
Example Lesson: The importance of friendship
Explanation: Throughout her journey in the Night Forest, Harper is accompanied by friends who help and support her. The story highlights how teamwork and trust are crucial in overcoming obstacles.
Real-World Application: This can teach children the value of building and maintaining friendships, helping them understand how cooperation and empathy can lead to achieving goals.
Example Lesson: Creativity and imagination
Explanation: The Night Forest is filled with fantastical elements that Harper navigates using her creativity. Her imaginative solutions to problems emphasize thinking outside the box.
Real-World Application: Kids can be encouraged to use their imagination more freely in problem-solving, enhancing creative thinking skills that are valuable in both academic and personal growth.
Example Lesson: Perseverance in the face of adversity
Explanation: No matter the challenges thrown her way in the mysterious forest, Harper pushes forward without giving up, demonstrating resilience.
Real-World Application: Children learn about the importance of perseverance, understanding that persistence in the face of challenges is essential for overcoming them.
Example Lesson: Appreciation of nature
Explanation: The Night Forest, with its unique flora and fauna, teaches Harper to appreciate the beauty and mystery of the natural world around her.
Real-World Application: This lesson can encourage children to explore and respect their own environment, fostering a sense of responsibility towards nature.