Runt the Hunted
#2 in The Legends Of Tira-Nor Series
on Goodreads (57)
What’s inside...
JaRed, a small-sized mouse known as 'Runt', is a commoner in the underground mouse city of Tira-Nor. After saving the city, a seer anoints him as the next king, much to the chagrin of the current king, SoSheth. Feared for his life, JaRed is driven into exile and becomes the target of the king’s assassins. However, he encounters a band of marauding rats led by the villainous Kreeg, who wields a deadly poisoned claw. As JaRed escapes and SoSheth empties the city to hunt him, Kreeg invades Tira-Nor, threatening everything JaRed holds dear. This sequel to Runt the Brave follows JaRed's quest for identity and meaning amidst escalating dangers, questioning the very beliefs he held and facing foes from within and without, while the city he loves teeters on destruction.
Discussion points
What do you think motivated Runt to face such big challenges?
How did Runt’s perception of friendship and bravery change throughout the story?
Which character did you relate to the most, and why?
What would you have done differently if you were in Runt's situation?
How do you think the story would change if it was set in today’s world?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to put themselves in Runt’s shoes, fostering empathy and deeper understanding. Highlight the importance of perseverance and bravery as demonstrated by Runt. Discuss the different characters and their roles, asking your child to imagine alternative scenarios or endings to the story. Use the themes of the book to connect with real-world examples your child might encounter. Leverage the book's setting to explore discussions on history and societal differences.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in adversity
Explanation: In 'Runt the Hunted', the protagonist shows immense bravery despite being smaller and less physically imposing than others. The character’s journey highlights the importance of facing fears head-on.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to stand up for themselves and tackle difficult situations with determination, even when they feel overwhelmed or outmatched. This can apply to school challenges, standing up against bullying, or trying new activities.
Example Lesson: Value of teamwork
Explanation: The story demonstrates that even the most unlikely allies can achieve great things when they work together. The characters in the book collaborate to overcome obstacles, emphasizing that everyone has unique strengths to contribute.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the importance of cooperation and valuing diverse skill sets in group settings like classroom projects, sports teams, and family activities.
Example Lesson: Resilience through adversity
Explanation: As the characters in the book face and overcome various challenges, the theme of resilience is prominent. The story shows that setbacks can lead to growth and personal development.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this understanding in their lives by learning to bounce back from failures and setbacks, viewing them as opportunities for learning and self-improvement.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: Throughout 'Runt the Hunted', the protagonist learns to understand and empathize with individuals from differing backgrounds, making moral decisions based on this new understanding.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to be considerate and to understand perspectives different from their own. This can help in forming friendships, resolving conflicts, and building strong interpersonal relationships.