Goblin in the Rainforest (Gibblewort the Goblin)
Gibblewort The Goblin Series
on Goodreads (17)
What’s inside...
Gibblewort the goblin is filled with joy when he crawls out of his postbag to find damp earth, falling rain and the sound of the wind through the trees. He's made it home to Ireland at last! Except it's not Ireland, it's the Australian Rainforest, and Gibblewort soon finds himself being stung, squeezed, nipped and pecked by the local wildlife.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-9
Length
80 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Gibblewort felt when he was in the rainforest? Can you describe what might have scared him and why?
What are some differences between Gibblewort's home and the rainforest? How do you think those differences affect him?
Gibblewort meets various animals in the story. Which animal was your favorite and what would you do if you met them?
If you were in the rainforest with Gibblewort, what would you help him learn about the nature around him?
How do you think the story would change if it was set in a different environment? What kind of adventures could Gibblewort have there?
Tip: Role play these questions
Utilize expressive reading to bring the characters and the setting to life, which can help your child better understand and visualize the story.
Pause at key moments in the story to ask your child what they think might happen next. This can help develop their predictive and analytical skills.
Relate the story to personal experiences or familiar situations to deepen your child's connection to the themes and characters.
Encourage your child to draw or act out their favorite part of the book. This can help them express their understanding and feelings about the story.
Discuss the moral of the story and how it can be applied in real-life situations. This helps in cultivating empathy and decision-making skills.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: Gibblewort, the goblin, learns to understand and empathize with the creatures of the rainforest as he faces various challenges.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to appreciate the feelings and perspectives of others, whether at school or in their community.
Example Lesson: Respect for nature
Explanation: Throughout his journey, Gibblewort discovers the importance of the rainforest and its ecosystem, teaching respect for the environment.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be conscious of their environment, promoting activities like recycling, conserving water, and preserving natural habitats.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: Gibblewort encounters numerous problems in the rainforest, each requiring him to think critically and creatively to navigate.
Real-World Application: Kids are inspired to use problem-solving skills in their daily challenges, enhancing their ability to think independently and make decisions.
Example Lesson: The consequences of actions
Explanation: Gibblewort’s misadventures are often a result of his own misdeeds, illustrating the cause and effect nature of actions.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children to consider the potential consequences of their actions on themselves and others.
Example Lesson: Bravery and self-reliance
Explanation: As Gibblewort faces his fears in an unfamiliar environment, he learns to rely on himself and be brave in difficult situations.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of facing fears and the importance of self-reliance in overcoming obstacles. This can be particularly relevant in situations such as starting a new school or trying out for a sports team.