Mr. Wolf and the Enormous Turnip
#2 of 4 in The Wolf Chronicles Series
on Goodreads (35)
What’s inside...
Mr. Wolf has found an enormous turnip and plans to make his favorite supper—spicy turnip stew. However, he needs assistance as the turnip is stuck fast. Seeking help from a little frog, Mr. Wolf embarks on another adventurous journey filled with hurdles that must be overcome before he can enjoy his meal. This story is brought to life by Jan Fearnley, a successful writer-illustrator with over 750,000 books sold worldwide. Her other notable children's titles include Watch Out!, A Perfect Day for It, Just Like You, and A Special Something.
Discussion points
What do you think Mr. Wolf will do with the enormous turnip?
How did Mr. Wolf and his friends work together to solve the problem?
What would you have done if you were Mr. Wolf?
Why is it important to help others, like Mr. Wolf and his friends did?
How did you feel when they finally pulled out the turnip?
Tip: Role play these questions
Begin the conversation by asking your child to describe their favorite part of the book and why they liked it.
Use the illustrations in the book to ask your child to point out different expressions or actions of the characters to understand their emotions.
Relate the themes of cooperation and teamwork to your child's everyday experiences, such as collaborating with friends or family.
Encourage your child to think about the value of persistence and teamwork by discussing personal instances where these qualities were important.
Finish the conversation by asking your child how they think Mr. Wolf and his friends felt after their hard work, emphasizing the joy of achieving something together.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Cooperation
Explanation: In 'Mr. Wolf and the Enormous Turnip,' Mr. Wolf recruits the help of his friends to pull out the stubborn turnip, demonstrating the power of working together to achieve a common goal.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of cooperating with others, whether in school projects or family activities, understanding that collective effort often leads to success.
Example Lesson: Persistence
Explanation: Despite initial failures, Mr. Wolf and his friends do not give up on pulling out the enormous turnip, showcasing determination and perseverance.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of persistence in overcoming obstacles, encouraging them to keep trying in their tasks, be it solving a difficult puzzle or learning a new skill.
Example Lesson: Sharing and Generosity
Explanation: After successfully harvesting the turnip, Mr. Wolf shares it with all his friends, highlighting the themes of sharing and generosity.
Real-World Application: Children are reminded of the joy and importance of sharing with others, promoting generosity in their interactions with friends and family.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: Mr. Wolf assesses the situation and strategizes different methods to pull out the turnip, teaching problem-solving skills.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to think critically and come up with solutions to problems they face, whether it's dealing with a difficult task or resolving a conflict with a peer.
Example Lesson: Gratitude and Appreciation
Explanation: The characters express gratitude towards each other for their efforts in the turnip harvesting, reinforcing the value of appreciating each other’s help.
Real-World Application: This helps children understand the importance of expressing thanks and recognizing the contributions of others, fostering a sense of gratitude in their daily lives.