Mates at Billabong
#2 in Billabong Series
on Goodreads (234)
What’s inside...
Billabong Station, a large cattle and sheep property in the Australian bush, is home to 12 year old Norah Linton, her widowed father, David, and her older brother, Jim. This is the second book in the Billabong series. Norah is the pet and close companion of her father, as well as her brother Jim and his friend Wally. When cousin Cecil arrives at Billabong with his city airs and disdain for the ways and amusements of bush life, the fun begins.
Character compass
Norah Linton
Wally Meadows
Jim Linton
David Linton
Discussion points
What did you think about the friendship between the characters in the book? How do you think they supported each other?
Which character did you relate to the most and why?
How did the setting of Billabong impact the story? Can you imagine a different setting for this story?
What lessons did the characters learn throughout their adventures?
If you were to write the next chapter of the book, what would happen next?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story. Ask them to draw parallels between the characters' experiences and their own. Highlight the value of teamwork and friendship as depicted in the book, and relate it to their everyday interactions. Use the setting of Billabong to spark a conversation about different parts of the world and cultural differences. Lastly, motivate them to imagine their own continuation of the story, fostering creativity and narrative skills.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Friendship and Cooperation
Explanation: The characters in 'Mates at Billabong' work together to overcome challenges, showcasing the power of cooperation.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by collaborating with peers in school projects or during play, learning the importance of teamwork.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the Face of Adversity
Explanation: Throughout the story, characters encounter various obstacles but persistently push forward, demonstrating resilience.
Real-World Application: This lesson will help children understand the value of perseverance when they face difficulties in tasks or learning new skills.
Example Lesson: Respect for Nature
Explanation: The setting of Billabong is rich in natural landscapes, and the story emphasizes the need to cherish and protect our environment.
Real-World Application: Kids can be encouraged to participate in environmental conservation activities such as recycling or planting trees to foster a healthy respect for nature.
Example Lesson: Value of Honesty
Explanation: Characters in the book face consequences for dishonest behaviors, highlighting the importance of honesty.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand the importance of being truthful in their daily interactions and build trust with others.
Example Lesson: Cultural Appreciation
Explanation: The story introduces diverse characters and settings, encouraging cultural awareness and appreciation.
Real-World Application: Children can be inspired to learn about and respect different cultures, enhancing social inclusion and harmony.