Mom Wombat Says Make War No More!
What’s inside...
In another beautifully illustrated collaboration by author Phyllis Schwartz and artist Siski Kalla, we meet Mom Wombat, known as Mombat to her kids. Using her wit and insightful wisdom, Mombat aims to make the world a better place by teaching positive communication skills and the importance of friendship. The wise Mombat shares plenty of ideas on how to get along with others, whether it’s across the street or across the sea.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
0-12
Length
37 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Mom Wombat felt when she talked about making peace?
What are some ways the characters in the book tried to resolve their conflicts?
Can you think of a time when you resolved a disagreement peacefully? How did it make you feel?
Why is it important to listen to others, even if we don't agree with them?
What can we do as a family to promote peace and understanding in our community?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage open-ended conversations by asking your child how they relate to the characters and situations in the book. Use real-life examples to connect the themes of the book to experiences your child may encounter. Foster an environment where all feelings and thoughts are validated, promoting a deeper understanding of the book’s message of peace and understanding. Highlight the importance of empathy by discussing how different characters might feel in various situations depicted in the book.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of peace
Explanation: In the story, Mom Wombat teaches her young ones about resolving conflicts without fighting, reinforcing the message of peace over war.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by using their words to resolve disagreements with friends, rather than resorting to physical or verbal fights.
Example Lesson: Respect for diversity
Explanation: The book shows various animals living harmoniously, emphasizing the importance of respecting differences.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to embrace diversity among peers and learn to appreciate everyone's unique qualities and backgrounds.
Example Lesson: Value of cooperation
Explanation: Mom Wombat negotiates solutions that involve teamwork, illustrating how working together can solve bigger problems.
Real-World Application: This can be mirrored in a child's life through participating in group activities that require teamwork, helping them understand the strength in collective effort.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: Through different scenarios in the book, children see how Mom Wombat uses creative and non-violent solutions to problems, which promotes critical thinking.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to think creatively to solve everyday issues, such as sharing toys or deciding on a game to play with friends.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: Mom Wombat portrays compassion towards other animals' feelings and needs, teaching empathy through example.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to recognize the emotions of others around them and respond appropriately, thereby fostering better interpersonal relationships.