The Last Basselope: One Ferocious Story
on Goodreads (670)
What’s inside...
In a story of adventure and revelation, Opus leads a reluctant crew of the great and famous discoverers in pursuit of the final descendant of an ancient, ferocious race. In a second picture book by the author of A Wish for Wings That Work, Opus and the gang from Bloom County venture into the woods to capture the dreaded basselope and discover something about the nature of self-invented boogeymen. All ages.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-9
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the Basselope felt when others were scared of him?
How did Opus and his friends change their opinion of the Basselope during their adventure?
Why do you think the story emphasizes looking beyond appearances?
Can you think of a time when you discovered something was not as it seemed, like the characters did with the Basselope?
What would you do if you met a creature like the Basselope?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think about the emotions of the characters by asking how they would feel in similar situations.
Discuss the importance of friendships and accepting differences, drawing parallels with real-life scenarios.
Prompt your child to connect the story to personal experiences, reinforcing empathy and understanding.
Use the story's resolution to highlight the power of kindness and open-mindedness in overcoming fear and prejudice.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Compassion and empathy
Explanation: In 'The Last Basselope,' the characters learn to empathize with the Basselope instead of fearing it based on myths.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to understand and share the feelings of others, helping them build better relationships and be kind to everyone.
Example Lesson: The importance of conservation
Explanation: The story highlights the significance of protecting endangered species and their habitats.
Real-World Application: Kids can be encouraged to participate in or initiate conservation efforts, such as recycling or supporting wildlife protection programs.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and exploration
Explanation: The characters' adventure in searching for the Basselope showcases the value of curiosity and exploring the unknown.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to ask questions, explore their surroundings, and seek knowledge through books and educational activities.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and collaboration
Explanation: Throughout the journey, the characters work together to overcome challenges, demonstrating the power of teamwork.
Real-World Application: This lesson can be applied in group activities at school, sports teams, or family projects, teaching children the importance of working with others to achieve common goals.
Example Lesson: Respecting differences
Explanation: The story teaches that differences should be celebrated, not feared or ridiculed.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by embracing diverse cultures and personalities in school and their communities, promoting inclusivity and respect.