Rowan of the Bukshah facts for kids
Rowan of the Bukshah (also known as Rowan and the Ice Creepers in North America) is a fantasy novel for children. It was written by the Australian author Emily Rodda and published in 2003. This book is the fifth and final story in the exciting Rowan of Rin series.
The Story of Rowan and the Ice Creepers
The people of the valley of Rin are facing a big problem. Winters have been getting colder and lasting much longer than usual. This year, it's supposed to be spring, but the cold winter still hasn't ended. Everyone is worried because their food supplies are getting very low. If the cold continues, they will run out of food.
Because of this danger, the villagers decide to leave Rin. They plan to go to the coast to stay with the Travelers and the Maris until the winter is over. However, not everyone leaves. Rowan stays behind to look after his beloved Bukshah, which are special creatures. Brondon stays to care for Lann, who is the elderly leader of the village. Sharron and Norris, who are new to the group, also remain in Rin.
Soon, a new and scary enemy appears: the ice creepers. These creatures are causing the extreme cold. Rowan remembers advice from Sheba, a wise old woman. He decides to follow the Bukshah, believing they know the way to solve the problem. Rowan sets off on a long journey with Norris and Sharron. Along the way, a character named Zeel joins their trek.
The Mountain's Secret
The Bukshah lead Rowan and his friends to a mysterious mountain. There, they learn some surprising and frightening facts about the ice creepers. They discover that when the Bukshah are kept in fences, they cannot go up the mountain. This stops them from eating the seals that live on the ice creeper nests. When the ice creepers are not controlled, they multiply quickly. As they grow in number, they make the weather colder and colder.
The Bukshah usually make a trip to the mountain every year. This journey helps them keep the ice creepers under control. When the Bukshah are free to roam, they prevent the cold times from getting worse.
The Truth About the Valley of Gold
Rowan also learns a deeper truth about what happened to the people of the Valley of the Gold. In an earlier book, Travelers, Rowan found out that the Valley was destroyed by a landslide. This happened because mountain berry plants loosened the soil.
Now, Rowan learns even more. When the Zebak invaded, a message was sent to the Valley of Gold. Most villagers left for the coast, leaving only two people behind: the Keepers of the Bukshah and the Silks. But on their way, the villagers were attacked by the Zebak and taken as slaves. One man managed to escape and returned to the Valley to warn the others.
Fearing more attacks, the three people left in the Valley followed the Bukshah deep into the mountain. They became trapped there by the same landslide that destroyed their home. Rowan and his companions learn all this from ancient silks, which recorded the history. From these silks, they finally understand the truth: the people of Rin were once the people of the Valley of the Gold. This land has always been their true home.
Rowan realizes that with this knowledge, the people can truly return to their roots and reclaim their heritage.
