Beware of the Storybook Wolves
on Goodreads (689)
What’s inside...
Every kid has some storybook character that scares them--a wolf, a wicked witch, a creepy bad guy. Here at last is the inspiring silly antidote for that fear. Herb loves to be scared by the wolves in storybooks--as long as his mom takes the book out of his room at night. When she forgets one night, Herb gets an unwanted visit. Stalling for time, Herb explains that little boys are best for dessert and Big Wolf and Little Wolf should start with an appetizer, like Jell-O! He seeks help from the stars of fairy tales such as Cinderella's fairy godmother, but not before things get very sticky. This is a fairy tale so artfully fractured it looks seamless and a message about creativity and imagination that any young dreamer would love.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What would you do if your favorite storybook characters came to life like in the book?
How do you think the characters felt when they jumped out of the book? Can you imagine their emotions?
What lesson did you learn from the story about dealing with unexpected situations?
If you could talk to any character from the book, who would it be and what would you ask them?
How would you rewrite the ending of the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Create a cozy reading space where you and your child can explore the story together, making the experience enjoyable and focused.
Ask your child to draw their favorite scene or character from the book. This can help them express their understanding and feelings about the story.
Encourage your child to predict what might happen next in the story before turning the page, enhancing their analytical thinking.
After reading, relate the book's themes to real-life situations your child may encounter, helping them apply the story’s lessons.
Show enthusiasm and curiosity about the story's characters and plot, as your engagement can significantly influence your child's interest and emotional connection to the book.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of problem-solving
Explanation: In 'Beware of the Storybook Wolves', the protagonist uses creative thinking and quick problem-solving skills to navigate the challenges posed by the storybook wolves.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to approach real-life challenges with a calm and creative mindset, developing critical thinking skills that will aid them in school and beyond.
Example Lesson: Value of courage
Explanation: As the character confronts fearsome wolves, courage is a central theme. The story demonstrates how bravery can lead to overcoming fears.
Real-World Application: This lesson can encourage children to face their own fears, whether it's trying new activities or standing up for themselves or others in challenging situations.
Example Lesson: The power of imagination
Explanation: The story showcases how the protagonist uses imagination to alter the course of the story, emphasizing the strength and freedom imagination can bring.
Real-World Application: Children are reminded of the unlimited possibilities within their imaginative play, promoting creative thinking and innovation in their daily lives.
Example Lesson: Understanding consequences
Explanation: By interacting with the wolves, the protagonist learns how actions can have unforeseen consequences, teaching about cause and effect in a engaging way.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply this understanding by thinking through their actions and considering the potential outcomes before making decisions.
Example Lesson: Importance of storytelling
Explanation: This book illustrates how stories can transform reality, highlighting the influence and impact of storytelling.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to explore reading and storytelling, enhancing their communication skills and empathy by seeing the world through various perspectives.