The Invisible Womble
#4 of 6 in The Wombles Series
What’s inside...
In 'The Invisible Womble', the Wombles of Wimbledon Common face an unusual challenge when one of their own becomes invisible. The group must work together to reverse the invisibility, learning valuable lessons about teamwork and acceptance. Meanwhile, Orinoco, needing encouragement to participate in daily cleaning activities, and Tobermory, an adept DIY-er, explores human inventions like the vacuum cleaner. This story combines classic characters and new illustrations to celebrate over 40 years of the Wombles.
Discussion points
What do you think it feels like to be invisible like the Womble in the story?
How did the invisible Womble help others without them knowing?
What would you do if you had the power to become invisible?
How do you think the story would change if everyone could see the Womble?
Why is it important to help others, even if we don't get recognition for it?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by asking your child how they felt about the book and if they have ever felt invisible or unnoticed like the Womble.
Encourage your child to think deeply about the moral of the story by asking them to consider the benefits and challenges of being unseen.
Relate the themes of the book to your child’s experiences by discussing times when they have helped others anonymously or supported someone without seeking credit.
Promote empathy by discussing the feelings and perspectives of not only the invisible Womble but also other characters in the book who interact with or are affected by the Womble.
Engage in creative thinking by asking your child to imagine and describe an invisible adventure they might like to have.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of teamwork
Explanation: Throughout 'The Invisible Womble,' the characters collaborate to solve the challenges they face, demonstrating that teamwork often leads to success.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by participating in group activities at school or collaborating with siblings at home, learning that working together can achieve greater outcomes.
Example Lesson: Kindness and inclusivity
Explanation: The story illustrates how treating everyone with kindness and including them in activities, regardless of their differences, enriches the community.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be inclusive and kind to all peers, regardless of their background or abilities, fostering a more supportive and friendly environment.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: The Wombles frequently encounter problems that require creative solutions, showcasing the process of problem-solving in a fun and engaging way.
Real-World Application: Children learn to approach their own obstacles with a problem-solving mindset, applying creativity and critical thinking to overcome challenges in school and daily activities.
Example Lesson: The value of individual contributions
Explanation: Each Womble has unique abilities that contribute to the group's goals, emphasizing that everyone has something valuable to offer.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children to value their own and others' unique skills and contribute positively in group settings like classroom projects or family tasks.
Example Lesson: Conservation and respect for the environment
Explanation: The Wombles are known for repurposing and recycling items they find, instilling a sense of environmental responsibility.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to practice recycling, reuse, and proper disposal of waste to protect and respect their natural surroundings.