"Wishyouwas"
What’s inside...
Classic-feeling storytelling with bags of charm. Fans of thrilling animal adventure and enchanting underground worlds will fall in love with Wishyouwas. It's 1952 in smog-shrouded London. Christmas might be fast approaching, but with her mum away and Uncle Frank busy running the post office, Penny Black is lonelier than ever. All that changes when Penny discovers a small, fluffy, funny, springy and – most importantly – talking creature in the post office one night, trying to make off with a letter. But Wishyouwas is no thief. He's a Sorter, and he soon introduces Penny to a fascinating secret world hidden in the tunnels underneath the city's streets. Self-appointed guardians of lost mail, the Sorters have dedicated their lives to rescuing letters that have gone astray and making sure they get delivered to their rightful owners. Penny is determined to protect the Sorters, but how long will she be able to keep them safe with Stanley Scrawl, the sinister Royal Mail Rat Catcher, on the prowl? Can Penny save the Sorters and deliver a joyful Christmas?
Age
7-10
Length
288 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Penny
Wishyouwas
Royal Mail Official
Discussion points
What do you think Wishyouwas, the Sorter, represents in the story? How does he help the main characters?
How did Penny’s feelings towards Christmas change throughout the book? What events influenced her perspective?
If you could send a special package to someone with Wishyouwas’ help, what would it be and who would you send it to?
What does friendship mean in the context of this story? How do the characters show trust and loyalty to each other?
How do you think the setting of the story, an old post office, adds to the magic and mystery of the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine their own magical character like Wishyouwas. Ask them what special abilities it would have and why.
Discuss the historical setting of the story, which takes place during a post-war period. This can lead to a broader conversation about history and its impact on people's lives.
Relate the story's themes of friendship and bravery to your child’s experiences. Ask them to share instances when they had to be brave or help a friend in need.
Use the book's vivid descriptions and settings to inspire creative activities, such as drawing scenes from the book or writing a short story about an adventure in a post office.
Focus on the emotional journey of the characters, asking your child how they felt about the characters' decisions and actions throughout the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of friendship and loyalty
Explanation: In 'Wishyouwas', the bond between the characters showcases the value of staying loyal and supporting each other through various challenges.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to value and nurture their friendships, understanding that loyalty is fundamental in building lasting relationships.
Example Lesson: Courage to face fears
Explanation: The protagonist of the book faces and overcomes numerous fears, demonstrating courage in daunting situations.
Real-World Application: This can motivate children to confront their own fears, whether it’s trying new activities or standing up for themselves in difficult situations.
Example Lesson: Value of perseverance
Explanation: Throughout the story, characters encounter obstacles that they overcome by not giving up, highlighting the importance of perseverance.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to persist in their endeavors - from academic tasks to personal goals, teaching them the significance of resilience.
Example Lesson: Creativity and problem solving
Explanation: The book showcases characters coming up with inventive solutions in tricky scenarios, emphasizing creative thinking.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to use their imagination to solve problems and think outside the box in their day-to-day life.