The Whispering Mountain facts for kids

The Whispering Mountain is an exciting adventure book written by Joan Aiken in 1968. It tells a thrilling story set in Wales. This book is part of a series of stories about the adventurous Armitage family.

Joan Aiken won the Guardian Children's Fiction Prize for The Whispering Mountain. This special award is given to the best children's book by a British writer. She was also a runner-up for the Carnegie Medal. This award also celebrates the best children's books published in the United Kingdom.

Story Overview

The story begins with a young orphan girl named Martha. She lives with her aunt and uncle in a quiet part of Wales. Martha's life changes when she finds a strange, ancient harp. This harp is very old and has a mysterious past.

The harp is not just any instrument. It is linked to a hidden treasure and a powerful secret. Martha soon finds herself caught up in a big adventure. She meets many interesting characters, some helpful and some not so friendly.

The Mystery of the Harp

The ancient harp holds a secret that many people want to find. Martha learns that the harp is connected to the legendary King Arthur. It is believed to lead to a hidden treasure. This treasure is said to be very valuable and powerful.

Martha must protect the harp from those who want to use its power for bad reasons. She goes on a journey across the Welsh countryside. Her journey is full of danger and exciting discoveries.

Main Characters

• Martha: A brave and curious orphan girl. She is the main character and finds the magical harp.
• Owen Hughes: A young boy who helps Martha on her adventure. He is loyal and resourceful.
• Mr. and Mrs. Armitage: Martha's aunt and uncle. They are kind but sometimes unaware of the dangers around Martha.
• The villains: Several tricky characters try to steal the harp. They want its power for themselves.

Themes in the Book

The Whispering Mountain explores several important ideas. It is a story about courage and standing up for what is right. Martha shows great bravery throughout her journey.

The book also talks about the importance of history and legends. It brings old Welsh myths to life. Readers learn about ancient stories and their meaning. Friendship and loyalty are also key themes. Martha and Owen help each other through many difficult situations.

Adventure and Mystery

The story is packed with adventure. Martha travels through mountains, caves, and old castles. Each new place brings a new challenge. There are many puzzles to solve and secrets to uncover.

The mystery of the harp keeps readers guessing. Who will get the treasure? Can Martha protect the harp? These questions make the book exciting to read.

About the Author

Joan Aiken (1924–2003) was a famous British writer. She wrote many books for children and adults. Her stories often mix adventure, mystery, and fantasy.

Aiken was known for her creative imagination. She loved to weave old legends and folklore into her tales. Her books are enjoyed by readers of all ages. The Whispering Mountain is one of her most loved children's books.

Other Works by Joan Aiken

Joan Aiken wrote many popular book series. One of her most famous is the Wolves of Willoughby Chase series. These books are also full of adventure and brave young characters. She also wrote short stories and poems. Her writing style is often described as witty and imaginative.

Awards and Recognition

The Whispering Mountain received important awards. The Guardian Children's Fiction Prize is a highly respected award. It is given by a panel of British children's writers. Winning this award shows how special the book is.

Being a runner-up for the Carnegie Medal is also a great honor. This award is given by the Library Association. It recognizes the best children's book of the year by a British writer. These awards highlight the book's quality and its lasting appeal.