The Mother West Wind Collection, Volume 1
Mother West Wind Series
What’s inside...
The eight books in the 'Mother West Wind' series were just the beginning of Thornton W. Burgess's long running, and much beloved, series of children's nature books about the Green Meadow, the Green Forest, and the Smiling Pool. Young readers, and listeners, are introduced to charming characters and engaging stories that teach important lessons about nature, wildlife, and conservation.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-9
Length
388 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Peter Rabbit feels when he escapes from danger, and why?
What lessons do you think the animals in the stories learn from their adventures?
If you could be friends with any character from the book, who would it be and what would you do together?
How do the animals help each other in the stories, and why is that important?
What would you do if you were in a similar situation as Johnny Chuck or Reddy Fox?
Tip: Role play these questions
Focus on the moral lessons in each story, asking your child how those lessons could apply to their own life. Encourage them to think about the emotions and actions of the characters, relating them to their personal experiences or desires. Use the stories as a stepping stone to discuss values such as friendship, courage, and honesty in a context they can understand and relate to. Additionally, let your child imagine alternate endings or different scenarios to develop creative thinking.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of kindness and helping others
Explanation: In the stories, animals often help each other out of tough situations, demonstrating the value of kindness and cooperation.
Real-World Application: Children learn to embody compassion by helping their peers, whether by sharing resources or offering emotional support during difficult times.
Example Lesson: The consequences of mischief
Explanation: Characters who engage in mischief face consequences, teaching that actions carry weight and can affect others.
Real-World Application: This lesson can guide children to think about the outcomes of their actions, encouraging responsible behavior both at home and in school.
Example Lesson: The power of curiosity and learning
Explanation: The tales are filled with curious animal characters who learn from their experiences. This showcases the importance of being inquisitive and open to learning.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to ask questions and seek knowledge actively which enhances their understanding of the world around them and promotes lifelong learning.
Example Lesson: Value of honesty
Explanation: Characters who lie or deceive others often find themselves in trouble, highlighting honesty as the best policy.
Real-World Application: This lesson reinforces to children the importance of being truthful in their daily interactions and builds trust with peers and adults.
Example Lesson: Respect for nature
Explanation: The stories emphasize living in harmony with the environment and show the beauty of the natural world.
Real-World Application: Instills in children a respect for nature and teaches them the significance of environmental conservation and the role they play in preserving it.