Once Upon a Time in the North facts for kids
Cover
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| Author | Philip Pullman |
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| Cover artist | John Lawrence |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Fantasy / Western short story |
| Publisher | David Fickling Books, Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers |
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Publication date
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United Kingdom: 3 April 2008 United States: 22 April 2008 Australia: 1 May 2008 |
| Media type | Print (Hardback) |
| Pages | 104 |
| ISBN | 978-0-385-61432-0 |
Once Upon a Time in the North is an exciting fantasy story by Philip Pullman. It was first published in 2008. This book is a prequel to Pullman's famous His Dark Materials trilogy. A prequel tells a story that happened before the main series.
This adventure explains how two important characters, Iorek Byrnison and Lee Scoresby, first met. They become great friends in the main trilogy. Philip Pullman himself said he wanted to write about their first meeting when they were younger.
Contents
The Story Begins: Lee's Arrival
The story starts with Lee Scoresby, a 24-year-old balloon pilot from Texas. He and his dæmon, a jackrabbit named Hester, make a rough landing. They land in Novy Odense, a busy port town in a cold, northern land.
Lee is surprised to see many bears in town. Some are working, others are just hanging around. He learns these bears are very smart. They can talk and even make their own armor. However, a local law stops them from wearing their armor in Novy Odense.
Lee meets a journalist named Oskar Siggurdson. Oskar tells him about an upcoming election for mayor. A man named Ivan Dimitrovich Poliakov is the favorite to win. Poliakov wants to "deal with" the bears in town. He sees them as a problem.
Lee also helps a Dutch ship captain, van Breda. The captain is having trouble getting permission to load his cargo and leave the harbor.
New Friends and Old Enemies
Lee finds a place to stay and meets other guests. These include a librarian, Miss Lund, and an economist, Mikhail Ivanovich Vassiliev. Lee and Vassiliev go to a meeting held by Poliakov. Armed men in purple uniforms are guarding the meeting. Vassiliev explains they work for a big mining company called Larsen Manganese. This company supports Poliakov.
Poliakov offers Lee a job to help with a situation at the harbor. But Lee sees one of Poliakov's helpers, a man named Pierre Morton. Lee recognizes Morton as a dangerous person from his past. This man, who used to go by Pierre McConville, caused a lot of trouble for Lee's friends. Because of this, Lee refuses Poliakov's job offer.
Later, Lee hears Miss Lund crying. He tries to help her, giving advice about a personal matter. His dæmon, Hester, teases him, saying he just advised Miss Lund to accept a marriage proposal!
A Plan to Help
Lee realizes Poliakov's plan likely involves Captain van Breda. He heads to the harbor. Van Breda still can't load his cargo. His mining equipment and rock samples are stuck. Poliakov wants to buy them cheaply if they get taken by the town.
Lee is disgusted by Poliakov's unfair actions. He offers to help van Breda break into the warehouse and load his cargo. Van Breda is very thankful.
As they plan, a large bear approaches Lee. He introduces himself as Iorek Byrnison. Iorek also wants to help van Breda. He wants to get back at Poliakov for how he treats the bears. Iorek puts on his only piece of armor, a worn helmet. The three of them head to the harbor, drawing a big crowd.
The Confrontation
At the warehouse, Lee faces the guards. He shoots one, and the others run away. The Larsen Manganese men bring out a powerful riot gun. But Iorek quickly flips it over and pushes it into the harbor.
Lee and Iorek break into the warehouse. Van Breda gives Lee a rifle. Lee goes upstairs to deal with two gunmen. He shoots one in the shoulder. The other gunman is Morton, Lee's old enemy. Morton shoots Lee in the shoulder and ear.
Morton tries to hurt Hester, Lee's dæmon. But Hester bravely attacks Morton's dæmon. This causes Morton great pain, forcing him out of hiding. Lee shoots Morton, getting revenge for his friends.
Aftermath and New Beginnings
Outside, Poliakov and his security men surround the warehouse. But then, Customs officers arrive. They break up the crowd and arrest Lee. Van Breda leaves with his ship, thanking Lee and letting him keep the rifle. This is the same rifle Lee will have in his final battle many years later.
Lieutenant Haugland, a Customs officer, takes Lee to his balloon. He explains that they can't do much to Poliakov, but they are grateful for Lee's actions. Lee's balloon is ready to go.
Iorek arrives and helps Lee's wounds with a special plant called bloodmoss. Lee has lost part of his ear. Oskar Siggurdson, the journalist, also shows up, but Lee pushes him into the harbor to avoid an interview.
Lee thanks Haugland, who tells him to thank Miss Lund. She has just agreed to marry Haugland! Vassiliev then rushes in, warning them that Larsen Manganese men are coming to kill Lee and Iorek.
Lee suggests Iorek escape with him on his balloon. Iorek agrees, saying Lee is clearly a "man of the Arctic." When Lee asks what he means, Iorek points to Hester. He says Hester is an Arctic hare, not a rabbit! Lee and Hester are very surprised. The balloon takes off, and Lee, Hester, and Iorek fly away together, starting their long friendship.
Extra Features in the Book
Besides the main story, the book includes some cool extras:
- A board game called Peril of the Pole, which is mentioned in the story.
- A newspaper article by Oskar Siggurdson. It tells a different version of events, making Lee and Iorek seem like villains.
- Pages from The Elements of Aerial Navigation, a book Lee uses to help him fly.
- A page from The Shipping World Year Book about Novy Odense.
- Two letters written by Lyra Silvertongue from Oxford. She is studying history and mentions her alethiometer.
- Lyra's dissertation submission certificate.
Audiobook Version
An audiobook version of Once Upon a Time in the North was released at the same time as the printed book. Philip Pullman and a full cast perform the story.
Images for kids
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Cover
