Disney's Flubber : My Story
Disney Chapter Book Series
on Goodreads (9)
What’s inside...
In 'Disney's Flubber: My Story,' author Vanessa Elder takes readers on a whimsical journey through the eyes of Weebo, the flying robot assistant to the absent-minded Professor Philip Brainard. The book recounts the events of the beloved 1997 Disney film 'Flubber,' where Professor Brainard invents a green, elastic, and incredibly bouncy substance called Flubber. Weebo shares her inner thoughts and feelings as she helps the professor navigate the chaos that ensues from his creation, including the attempts to save Medfield College from financial ruin and win back the heart of his fiancée, Dr. Sara Jean Reynolds. Elder's narrative provides a heartwarming and humorous perspective, giving voice to Weebo's loyalty and her unseen contributions to the professor's success. This retelling captures the magic and mayhem of the original story while offering a fresh, character-driven look at the events that unfold in the classic family comedy.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
6-10
Length
60 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Professor Brainard felt when his experiment created Flubber? What would you do if you invented something by accident?
What are some ways Flubber helped people in the story? Can you think of a time when a mistake turned out to be helpful?
Why is it important to keep trying even when things don't go as planned, just like Professor Brainard did?
How did the characters in the book show teamwork? Can you share an example of when you worked as a team?
What would you invent if you had all the tools and materials you needed? How would your invention help others?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive tones and voices for different characters to make the story more lively and engaging.
Encourage your child to describe their feelings about different parts of the story, relating to the emotions of the characters.
Connect the book’s themes to real-life experiences, fostering deeper understanding and relevance.
Pause at climactic or puzzling moments and invite predictions about what might happen next.
After discussing the book, consider experimenting together with a simple, safe science project to bring the inventive spirit of the book to life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Innovation and Creativity
Explanation: The story showcases the protagonist's journey in inventing 'Flubber', highlighting the power of creativity and perseverance in problem-solving.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by engaging in creative activities or STEM projects, learning that innovative thinking can lead to exciting outcomes.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: As the inventor deals with 'Flubber', the story teaches the importance of being responsible for one’s creations and their impact on others.
Real-World Application: This lesson can remind children to think about the consequences of their actions and to take responsibility for them in their daily interactions.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: The protagonist faces numerous setbacks but continues to work on his invention, showing resilience.
Real-World Application: Children learn that persistence is key, and setbacks can lead to greater achievements, encouraging them to keep trying in the face of difficulty in school or personal projects.
Example Lesson: Ethical Considerations
Explanation: The book touches upon the ethical use of 'Flubber', prompting discussions on how inventions should be used for the greater good.
Real-World Application: This can start conversations among children regarding ethics, helping them understand the importance of using their skills and abilities in ways that benefit others.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: The inventor often collaborates with others to improve 'Flubber', reinforcing the value of teamwork.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to value collaborative efforts and shows them how working together can help solve problems more effectively than working alone.