Mother West Wind "Where" Stories
#7 in Mother West Wind Series
on Goodreads (87)
What’s inside...
Learn about when Mr. Bluebird won his beautiful coat, when Old Mr. Gopher got pockets, why Old Mr. Grouse got his snowshoes, how Old Mr. Panther lost his honor, why Old Mr. Rat became an outcast, why Mr. Moose loses his horns every year, and ten other stories that reveal the origins of various animal traits and behaviors.
Discussion points
Why do you think the animals in the story ask so many questions about their surroundings?
What lessons do the animals learn from Mother West Wind, and how do you think these lessons help them?
Which animal's story did you enjoy the most and why?
How do the animals in the book help each other, and what can we learn about friendship from them?
If you could ask Mother West Wind a question, what would it be and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, give a brief overview of the characters and ask your child to predict what kind of questions the animals might ask.
Encourage your child to think about how they would answer the questions posed by the animals in the book.
Discuss the moral or lesson in each animal’s story to reinforce understanding and personal connection.
After reading, ask your child to draw their favorite scene or character from the book and explain their choice.
Use the book as an opportunity to explore local nature and discuss the wildlife within it, drawing parallels with the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Curiosity and exploration
Explanation: The stories revolve around the animal characters exploring their environment and asking questions to understand their world better.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to be inquisitive and explore the world around them, which aids in their cognitive and social development.
Example Lesson: Importance of kindness
Explanation: Characters often help each other out of difficult situations, showcasing the value of kindness and cooperation.
Real-World Application: Teaches children to assist others in need, fostering empathy and community spirit in their everyday interactions.
Example Lesson: Consequences of actions
Explanation: The stories highlight how the actions of the characters lead to various consequences, both good and bad.
Real-World Application: Helps children understand the impact of their actions on themselves and others, promoting responsible behavior.
Example Lesson: Resilience in adversity
Explanation: Characters frequently face challenges and setbacks, but they overcome these through perseverance and resilience.
Real-World Application: Inspires children to remain resilient and persistent in the face of challenges, enhancing their problem-solving skills and emotional strength.
Example Lesson: Value of storytelling
Explanation: The format of the book itself as a series of stories told by Mother West Wind encourages an appreciation for storytelling.
Real-World Application: Motivates children to engage in storytelling, boosting their creativity, language skills, and understanding of narrative structures.