Billa & Buster: The Circle Of Kindness (Merlin Woods Series Book 2)
#2 of 5 in Merlin Woods Series
on Goodreads (5)
What’s inside...
This endearing book highlights the importance of friendship and the responsibilities of pet ownership, especially during Christmas. The main story follows Buster, an energetic young puppy who is abandoned after Christmas by a family unprepared for his antics. Lost in the freezing weather of Merlin woods in Galway, Ireland, Buster is rescued by a mother badger named Billa. A beautiful friendship develops between the two as they support each other and even save an old lady who feeds them treats. The book intertwines themes of abandonment, homelessness, kindness, and the significance of nurturing friendships, and it includes discussion points and fun facts about badgers.
Discussion points
What are some ways Billa and Buster showed kindness in the story?
How did the characters' actions make their friends feel?
Can you think of a time you helped someone and made them feel better?
Why do you think it's important to be kind to others?
How can we show kindness to people around us every day?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use specific examples from the book to discuss the impact of kindness and empathy. Relate these examples to real-life situations your child might encounter.
Encourage your child to express their feelings and thoughts about the story’s events, promoting emotional intelligence.
Ask your child to draw a picture of a kind act they wish to perform, or have recently done, linking the story’s themes to personal actions.
Create a 'kindness challenge' where you both come up with creative ways to be kind throughout the week, inspired by Billa and Buster’s adventures.
Discuss the emotions of different characters and ask your child how they would feel in those situations, fostering empathy and understanding.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of sharing
Explanation: In the story, Billa and Buster share their snacks and toys with their friends in the forest, which makes everyone feel happy and valued.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by sharing their belongings or snacks with classmates, which fosters a sense of community and generosity.
Example Lesson: Being kind to others
Explanation: The characters in the book go out of their way to help each other, demonstrating that kindness is a chain reaction that benefits everyone.
Real-World Application: Kids can practice this by performing small acts of kindness at school or at home, such as helping a sibling with homework or saying kind words to friends.
Example Lesson: Valuing friendships
Explanation: The story emphasizes the importance of maintaining strong relationships with friends, showing that friends are there to support each other during good and bad times.
Real-World Application: This lesson can encourage children to nurture their friendships through regular communication and mutual support, making bonds stronger.
Example Lesson: Respect for nature
Explanation: Throughout their adventure, Billa and Buster interact with their environment in a respectful and caring manner, teaching the reader to treat nature with care.
Real-World Application: Children learn to respect their surroundings by not littering, being gentle with plants, and observing animals without disturbing them.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: The characters face challenges that they solve by thinking critically and working together, showing that problems can be solved with teamwork and intelligence.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to use problem-solving skills in group settings, such as working out a disagreement with a peer or figuring out a difficult task together.