The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles
Julie Andrews Collection Series
on Goodreads (13,728)
What’s inside...
With help from an eccentric professor, three children undergo special training to enhance their imaginations. Their goal is to locate the last of the great Whangdoodles, a wise and extraordinary creature who created a wonderful land for himself and other remarkable animals. Despite obstacles from the treacherous Prock, they succeed in reaching Whangdoodleland and granting the Whangdoodle's heart's desire.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-10
Length
288 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think makes the Whangdoodle the last of the really great ones? How is it different from other creatures?
Why do you think the professor wanted to help the siblings meet the Whangdoodle? What does this effort teach us about achieving seemingly impossible goals?
How do the characters change from the beginning to the end of the story? What important lessons do they learn along the way?
What role do creativity and imagination play in the story? How does it help the characters on their journey?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story, relating it to their own experiences. Ask open-ended questions that prompt deeper thinking and understanding of the themes. Share your interpretations and enjoy the discovery of the book’s layers together. Highlight the perseverance and problem-solving displayed by the characters, discussing how these skills can be applied in real life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The power of imagination
Explanation: The story emphasizes the importance of creativity and imagination as the characters embark on adventures to meet the Whangdoodle. They learn to see beyond the ordinary and visualize new possibilities.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to use their imagination to solve problems creatively and think outside the box in real-life scenarios, enhancing their cognitive flexibility and problem-solving skills.
Example Lesson: Perseverance and determination
Explanation: Throughout their journey, the characters face various challenges but remain determined to meet the Whangdoodle. Their perseverance teaches the value of persistence in achieving goals.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand the importance of staying persistent in their endeavors, whether it's completing a difficult task or achieving personal goals, teaching them resilience.
Example Lesson: Collaboration and teamwork
Explanation: The success of the characters' quest relies heavily on working together and combining their skills to overcome obstacles. This highlights the importance of teamwork.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to cooperate with others in group activities or team sports, understanding that collective effort often leads to success.
Example Lesson: Respect for all creatures
Explanation: The characters learn to appreciate and respect the mythical creatures they encounter, understanding their roles and importance in the Whangdoodle's world.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to respect differences in others and the importance of biodiversity, encouraging empathy and environmental consciousness.
Example Lesson: The joy of learning
Explanation: The journey to find the Whangdoodle is filled with learning opportunities about the magical world around them. This instills a sense of wonder and excitement towards learning.
Real-World Application: Encouraging children to view learning as a joyful, lifelong process aids in the development of a positive attitude towards education and an innate curiosity to explore new things.