In the Woods
Orca Soundings Series
on Goodreads (1)
What’s inside...
When Cameron rescues a baby abandoned in the woods, everyone says it is a miracle. A stroke of luck that he just happened to be there, riding his bike along that trail, and heard the baby's cry. But Cameron has a secret: It wasn't just luck. He was there because his twin sister Katie begged him to go. Did Katie know about the baby? Is she covering for someone? At first Cameron just wants some answers but once he knows the truth he has to decide what to do with it.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
2-4
Length
8 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the animals in the woods were feeling when they met each other?
If you were in the woods like the characters, what would you like to explore first?
How do you think the story would change if it was set near the ocean instead of in the woods?
Why do you think the author chose the woods as the main setting for the story?
What is one thing you learned from this book about nature or friendship?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine and describe an additional scene that could happen in the woods.
Ask your child to draw their favorite character or scene from the book, then discuss why they chose it.
Together, research more about the animals featured in the book and their real-life habitats and behaviors.
Relate the book’s themes of exploration and friendship to your child’s own experiences, asking them about a time they made a new friend or discovered something new.
After reading, take a nature walk with your child to relate the real world to the book's setting, discussing similarities and differences.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of teamwork
Explanation: In 'In the Woods', the characters must work together to solve the mystery of the missing owl. This cooperation is key to their success.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of collaborating with others to achieve common goals, which is essential in school projects and family chores.
Example Lesson: Courage in facing fears
Explanation: The protagonist confronts their fear of the dark woods to help their friends. This act of bravery is a pivotal moment in the book.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to face their own fears, whether it's trying out for a sports team, speaking in front of a class, or sleeping alone in the dark.
Example Lesson: Respect for nature
Explanation: Throughout their adventure, the characters learn about different plants, animals, and the ecosystem of the woods, highlighting the importance of respecting and preserving natural environments.
Real-World Application: Kids are inspired to explore the natural world responsibly and learn about the impact of human activities on ecosystems.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: The characters use clues and critical thinking to solve the mystery, demonstrating effective problem-solving techniques.
Real-World Application: Children learn to apply logical thinking to overcome challenges and make decisions, useful in academics and personal life.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: As the characters interact with each other and the creatures of the woods, they show empathy and learn to understand different perspectives.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to be considerate and understand the feelings of others, fostering healthy relationships.