Runt the Brave (The Legends of Tira Nor, Book 1)
#1 in The Legends Of Tira-Nor Series
on Goodreads (119)
What’s inside...
Driven by their blood-frenzied master, GoRec, a merciless army of rats swarms toward the underground mouse-city of Tira-Nor. The rats have come for only one reason: to slaughter the mice and seize their ancestral home. But rats are not the only nightmare to awaken in the dying days of summer. A cold and bodiless evil stalks the lonely tunnels of the city, a shadow whose presence may mean that the doom of the Ancients has risen once again. Tira-Nor's last hope lies with JaRed son of ReDemec, a mouse so small and young even his family calls him Runt. But when the crazy old seer TaMir anoints JaRed to be the next king, JaRed's brother denounces him as a traitor and threatens to expose the prophecy at court. After all, Tira-Nor already has a king! Surrounded by enemies too terrifying to comprehend, JaRed searches desperately for a way to save the city from annihilation. When GoRec's vast rat hordes at last descend on the plains above the city, JaRed is torn between his inner conviction that 'right makes might' and the common sense that tells him victory against such terrible odds is impossible. But JaRed is about to encounter a power beyond the rat army, beyond even that of the Great Owl ... a power that will fling him into a destiny wilder than anything he's ever imagined!
Character compass
Jared (Runt)
Discussion points
What qualities make Runt a brave character and how can you apply these qualities in your own life?
How do the characters in the story show teamwork and why is teamwork important?
What obstacles did Runt face and how did he overcome them?
How do the different characters in the book contribute to the story’s outcome?
What lessons did you learn from Runt's adventure?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate personal experiences to Runt's challenges and victories, making connections between the story and their own life.
Ask your child to describe their favorite character and why they feel a connection to them, fostering a deeper understanding of character traits.
Discuss the importance of bravery and courage, highlighting examples from the book and linking them to real-life scenarios.
Create a friendly atmosphere where your child feels comfortable expressing their thoughts and opinions about the story without judgment.
Lead by example; share your perspectives and insights about the book to motivate a two-way communicative experience.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in adversity
Explanation: Runt, the smallest mouse in Tira-Nor, embodies bravery as he confronts a menacing cat threatening his community.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of facing fears and standing up for others, even when they feel small or powerless.
Example Lesson: Leadership and responsibility
Explanation: Despite his size, Runt takes on a leadership role, showing that true leaders come in all shapes and sizes.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to take initiative and be responsible in group settings like school projects or family tasks.
Example Lesson: The power of friendship
Explanation: Runt’s relationships with other characters demonstrate the strength and support friends offer during tough times.
Real-World Application: Children can see the value of cultivating strong friendships and learn to support their friends in need.
Example Lesson: Self-acceptance
Explanation: Runt learns to accept and use his small size to his advantage rather than seeing it as a weakness.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children to embrace their unique qualities and use them to their advantage, boosting self-esteem and self-worth.