Nightbirds on Nantucket facts for kids

Nightbirds on Nantucket is an exciting children's novel written by Joan Aiken. It was first published in 1966. This story takes place in an alternate world. It follows the adventures of a brave eleven-year-old girl named Dido Twite. She travels on a whaling ship and explores the island of Nantucket.

This book is the third in a series called The Wolves Chronicles. These books are set in a made-up 19th century. In this world, the Stuart kings still rule England. They were never replaced by William of Orange. A big part of the story is about a group called the "Hanoverians." They want to overthrow "King James III" and his family. Nightbirds on Nantucket is the second book to feature Dido Twite. It is the first one where she is the main character.

What Happens in the Story?

Dido's Journey and New Friend

The story begins with Dido Twite waking up on a whaling ship called The Sarah Casket. She had been in a deep sleep, or coma. A kind young sailor named Nate Pardon found her floating in the Atlantic Ocean. This happened after her last adventure in Black Hearts in Battersea.

The ship's captain asks Dido to look after his daughter, Dutiful Penitence Casket. Everyone calls her Pen. Pen is eight years old and a bit shy. Dido helps Pen feel more comfortable and happy.

Life on Nantucket Island

Dido agrees to stay on Nantucket for a short time. She wants to help Pen get used to living with her Aunt Tribulation. Aunt Tribulation will take care of Pen while her father hunts for a mysterious pink whale.

Dido soon finds that Aunt Tribulation seems to be a very demanding person. Dido's plan to leave Nantucket and sail back to London is put on hold. This happens when Nate brings Captain Casket to the house. The captain was hurt while trying to catch the pink whale, named "Rosie Lee." The whale sank his small boat, and the captain is not fully awake.

Uncovering a Secret Plot

While exploring the area around the house, Dido meets a strange but funny man from another country. She soon learns he is setting up a giant cannon. This cannon is meant to blow up the royal palace and kill King James III.

Mr. Slighcarp, the first mate of The Sarah Casket, is part of this evil plan. His sister, Letitia, is also involved. She was a villain in an earlier book, The Wolves of Willoughby Chase.

Stopping the Cannon

The adults do not believe Dido when she tells them about the cannon. So, Dido and Pen, with help from Nate, decide to stop the cannon themselves. They know that if the cannon fires, its powerful kickback could send the whole island of Nantucket crashing into New York City. They must act fast to save everyone!

Main Characters

• Dido Twite: The brave and clever main character of the story.
• Jabez Casket: The captain of The Sarah Casket and Pen's father. He is obsessed with finding a pink whale.
• Dutiful Penitence Casket (Pen): Captain Casket's eight-year-old daughter. She becomes Dido's friend.
• Tribulation Turvey: Captain Casket's sister and Pen's aunt. She seems to be a difficult person.
• Miss Letitia Slighcarp: A villain from a previous book. She is part of the plot against the king.
• Mr. Slighcarp: The first mate of The Sarah Casket and Letitia's brother. He is also involved in the plot.
• Nathaniel Pardon (Nate): A kind sailor who rescues Dido. He helps Dido and Pen.
• Doktor Axeltree Breadno: A European expert in gunnery (the study of how guns work). He is involved with the giant cannon.