Mr. Wuffles!
Caldecott Medal - Honors Winning Title(s) Series
on Goodreads (6,992)
What’s inside...
In a near wordless masterpiece by David Wiesner, a cat named Mr. Wuffles ignores traditional cat toys and instead plays with a small alien spaceship. The aliens inside experience trouble, as their ship endures unintended rough treatment. Seeking refuge behind a radiator, the aliens befriend insects and together they learn to communicate through symbols and gestures, leading to a humorous exploration of cooperation and friendship. This book is a 2014 Caldecott Honor recipient.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Why do you think Mr. Wuffles ignores all his new toys but is interested in the tiny spaceship?
How do the aliens and the cat communicate without talking?
What do you think the drawings on the walls mean?
How do the animals work together to solve a problem? What does this teach us about teamwork?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, briefly explain the plot and ask your child to predict what might happen or why the cat might be interested in the spaceship.
Use expressive voices for different characters, including mimicking what they think Mr. Wuffles or the aliens might sound like.
After reading, encourage your child to draw their own version of 'alien drawings' inspired by the ones in the book.
Discuss the importance of working together and ask your child about a time they had to work with others to solve a problem.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Collaboration and teamwork
Explanation: In 'Mr. Wuffles!', the cat, small aliens, and some insects work together to repair the alien's spaceship. Despite being from different species, their successful collaboration highlights the power of teamwork.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by working together with their peers in school projects or team sports, learning that collective effort can achieve great results.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: The story subtly teaches empathy as the insects and aliens communicate and help each other, despite their differences. This mutual understanding and assistance demonstrate empathy in action.
Real-World Application: This can be reflected in a child's life by encouraging them to consider the feelings and perspectives of others, whether it’s sharing toys or helping a friend in need.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: The characters face obstacles, such as fixing a spaceship and evading Mr. Wuffles. Their inventive solutions to these problems showcase effective problem-solving skills.
Real-World Application: Children learn to apply creativity and critical thinking to overcome challenges they face, such as resolving conflicts with siblings or figuring out a difficult homework assignment.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and exploration
Explanation: The story encourages curiosity through the exploration of the unknown world of the small aliens and their interaction with earthly creatures. This sense of wonder is crucial for learning.
Real-World Application: Children are inspired to explore and learn more about the world around them, ask questions, and seek answers, much like the characters in the book.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: Despite numerous challenges, the characters in the book do not give up. Their resilience in facing setbacks head-on is a vital takeaway.
Real-World Application: Teaching children to keep trying even when things are difficult, whether it's learning a new skill or dealing with a personal setback.