Quest for the Spark: Book One: A BONE Companion (1) (BONE: Quest for the Spark)
#1 of 3 in BONE: Quest For The Spark Series
What’s inside...
Twelve-year-old Tom Elm, his raccoon friend Roderick, Percival, Abbey, and Barclay Bone, warrior priest Randolf, and forest woman Lorimar join in a quest to find the pieces of the Spark that can save Dreaming--and the Waking World--from a Darkness created by the Nacht. In this gripping spin-off novel trilogy of BONE, Tom, an ordinary turnip farmer, assembles a band of unlikely heroes when he discovers his village is asleep and plagued by nightmares. They fight to preserve the Spark, a divine light born at the core of the vast, dark nothingness called the Nacht, which is trying to permeate the Waking World with the nightmares of the Dreaming. It's Tom's mission to defeat the Nacht and its most loyal follower, the Constable, to save his family and everyone from never waking up again.
Discussion points
What do you think motivates Tom Elm on his quest and how would you feel in his situation?
How do the characters in the book demonstrate teamwork? Can you think of a time when you had to work with others to achieve a goal?
If you could have a special power like one of the characters, what would it be and why?
What are some challenges the characters face and how do they overcome them? Have you faced similar challenges in your life?
How do you think the setting of the story affects the adventure? Could the story happen anywhere else?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use empathetic listening, affirm your child's feelings and thoughts as they express their views on the story’s events and characters.
Encourage your child to draw parallels between the story and their personal experiences, which enhances their ability to relate to and learn from the characters.
Ask your child to predict what might happen next in the story or in a hypothetical continuation, which helps develop their analytical and creative thinking.
Discuss the moral and ethical decisions characters make in the story, and relate them to real-world scenarios to foster moral development.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage and Bravery
Explanation: In 'Quest for the Spark: Book One,' the characters embark on a journey filled with unknowns, facing challenges bravely and overcoming their fears.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to face their own fears and challenges with bravery, whether it’s trying new activities, standing up for themselves, or dealing with difficult situations at school.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Cooperation
Explanation: Throughout the book, characters must work together to solve problems and overcome obstacles, highlighting the importance of collaboration.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the significance of working cooperatively in group settings such as classroom projects, sports teams, and family activities.
Example Lesson: Resilience and Perseverance
Explanation: The protagonists encounter numerous setbacks on their quest, but they persistently push forward, demonstrating resilience.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of perseverance in achieving goals despite difficulties, applicable in their academic pursuits and personal goals.
Example Lesson: Friendship and Loyalty
Explanation: Strong bonds between the characters show how loyalty and trusting relationships are central to the story’s progress.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to value and nurture friendships, understanding the role of trust and support in strong interpersonal relationships.
Example Lesson: Imagination and Creativity
Explanation: The fantastical elements of the book stimulate the imagination, showing how creativity can lead to solutions.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to use their creativity in problem-solving and in expressing themselves through art, writing, or imaginative play.