Jibberwillies at Night
#2 in Big Feelings Series
on Goodreads (113)
What’s inside...
Rachel Vail and Yumi Heo team up for the much anticipated follow-up to SOMETIMES I'M BOMBALOO. Katie Honors is back! Katie loves playing with her friends and snuggling with her family, but sometimes at night she's afraid. For Katie, her fears and worries take the shape of Jibberwillies, creatures who fly through her bedroom at night. Luckily, Katie's mom knows just what to do. Together, they catch the troublesome Jibberwillies in a bucket and toss them out the window. It's tough work, but finally the Jibberwillies are gone and next time it happens Katie knows just what she'll do. An empowering book for any child who has ever had nighttime fears.
Character compass
Katie Honors
Katie'S Mother
Discussion points
How do you think Katie felt when the Jibberwillies came at night? Can you describe a time when you felt the same way?
What are some ways that Katie tried to make the Jibberwillies go away? Do you think these were good strategies?
Why do you think Katie’s mom was so important in helping her deal with the Jibberwillies?
If you had Jibberwillies, what would you do to feel better?
How do you think the story would change if Katie couldn’t make the Jibberwillies go away?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use a comforting tone and reassure your child that it’s okay to talk about fears, just like Katie did in the book.
Encourage your child to relate personal experiences to Katie’s, fostering empathy and self-expression.
Discuss the role of Katie’s mom, emphasizing the importance of seeking comfort and advice from parents or guardians when scared.
Highlight Katie’s problem-solving skills to inspire your child to think of their own strategies for dealing with fear or anxiety.
Praise your child for sharing and discussing their feelings, reinforcing a positive environment for emotional development.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Managing Fears
Explanation: In 'Jibberwillies at Night,' the young protagonist Katie confronts her nighttime fears by capturing them in a jar, demonstrating a unique way to deal with anxiety.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to address their fears directly, using creative strategies like drawing or writing about them to diminish their impact.
Example Lesson: Parental Support
Explanation: Katie's mother plays a crucial role by acknowledging her fears and supporting her in finding a solution, showcasing the importance of parental involvement.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to seek help from parents or guardians when they feel scared or unsure, fostering open communication and trust.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: Katie's proactive approach to catching her Jibberwillies exemplifies resilience—turning a scary situation into a manageable one.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to confront challenges head-on, developing resilience which can help them navigate difficult situations in life.
Example Lesson: Imagination as a Tool
Explanation: The imaginative act of catching fears in a jar highlights how creativity can be used as a coping mechanism.
Real-World Application: Children can use their imagination to solve problems, transform negative experiences into positive outcomes, and manage emotions.