Once Upon a Time in the North: Illustrated Edition
His Dark Materials Series
What’s inside...
In this prequel to the His Dark Materials trilogy, the young aeronaut Lee Scoresby and his dæmon Hester land in the Arctic town of Novy Odense, where they find themselves caught up in a deadly confrontation involving an oil magnate, a corrupt mayoral candidate, and a hired killer. Pullman spins a tale of adventure and a fascinating background story of Scoresby's first meeting with the armored bear, Iorek Byrnison. Lyra, studying at Oxford University, discovers the story of Lee Scoresby and Iorek Byrnison's first meeting along with evidence of the adventure that brought them together. Lee Scoresby, a young Texan balloonist, lands in the Arctic town and becomes embroiled in a political brawl, finding himself targeted by political factions aiming to control the town's oil. He and his daemon, Hester, also encounter arctic bears treated as second-class citizens. As tensions escalate, Lee and Iorek forge a friendship amidst the conflict that will last a lifetime.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
10-12
Length
176 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Lee Scoresby
Hester
Iorek Byrnison
Pierre Mcconville
Discussion points
What do you think Lee Scoresby feels when he first arrives in the North? How would you feel in a new, unfamiliar place?
Why do you think friendship is important in this story? How do Lee and Iorek help each other?
What choices do the characters make that show their bravery? Can you think of a time when you had to be brave?
How does the setting in the North affect the story? What are some challenges the characters face because of it?
Tip: Role play these questions
Explore the theme of exploration by asking your child what they would pack for a journey to the North, similar to Lee Scoresby.
Discuss the significance of friendship and teamwork. Use examples from the book to highlight moments where characters supported each other.
Encourage your child to relate the story to their own experiences, particularly focusing on times they faced challenges or new situations.
Highlight the importance of moral choices and discuss with your child what they would do in the characters' situations.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of friendship
Explanation: The story showcases strong bonds between characters, emphasizing how friendships can provide support and strength in challenging times.
Real-World Application: Children learn to value and nurture friendships, understanding that cooperation and empathy are key components of strong relationships.
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of adversity
Explanation: Characters in the book often face difficult situations, yet they demonstrate courage and determination to overcome obstacles.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to face their own challenges bravely, whether it's dealing with a tough school subject or standing up for what's right.
Example Lesson: The significance of moral integrity
Explanation: The protagonists often make choices that reflect their ethical beliefs, even when those choices are not easy.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of staying true to their values and making ethical decisions, even in complex situations.
Example Lesson: Respecting differences
Explanation: The book portrays a variety of characters from different backgrounds, highlighting the strength that comes from diversity.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to appreciate and respect people who might be different from them, promoting inclusivity and empathy in their daily interactions.