Soonchild facts for kids
Front cover of first edition
|
|
| Author | Russell Hoban |
|---|---|
| Illustrator | Alexis Deacon |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Children's fantasy novel, supernatural fiction |
| Publisher | Walker Books |
|
Publication date
|
March 2012 |
| Media type | Print (hardcover) |
| Pages | 141 pp (first edition) |
| ISBN | 978-1-4063-2991-9 |
| OCLC | 766326714 |
| LC Class | PZ7.H637 Soo 2012 |
Soonchild is an exciting fantasy novel written by Russell Hoban. It was first published in March 2012. The book features cool illustrations by Alexis Deacon.
This story takes place far north, near the Arctic Circle. It uses ideas from Inuit mythology, which are traditional stories from the Arctic.
Sadly, Soonchild was the last book Russell Hoban finished before he passed away in December 2011. It's a special book that wraps up his amazing writing career.
What is Soonchild About?
Soonchild tells the story of a shaman named Sixteen-Face John. A shaman is like a spiritual leader or healer. John lives in a very cold, snowy place called "The North."
John feels like he is losing his way. He spends too much time watching TV and reading magazines. He is forgetting his important duties as a shaman.
His wife is expecting a baby girl. They plan to name her Soonchild. But there is a big problem. Soonchild refuses to be born!
The Missing World Songs
Soonchild won't leave her mother's womb. She cannot hear the "World Songs." These songs are super important. They are the music that makes the world exist. All children must hear them before they can be born.
To help his daughter, John must go on a special journey. He needs to find out why the World Songs have disappeared. Then he must bring them back so Soonchild can hear them.
John's Amazing Journey
John's quest takes him to amazing places. He travels into the spirit world. He even visits the land of the dead. On his journey, he faces many challenges. He must stand up to scary demons.
He also gets help from many different spirits. These include animal spirits and other mysterious characters. Some of his helpers are:
- Nanuk, a giant polar bear
- Old Man Raven
- Ukpika, an owl-woman
- Yarluk, a killer whale
- Timertik, a walrus
- The spirit of his great-grandmother, who was also a shaman
John's adventure is all about bringing the World Songs home. This will allow his daughter, Soonchild, to finally be born.
