To Wee or Not to Wee
#5 of 15 in Baby Aliens Series
on Goodreads (467)
What’s inside...
Izzy and her friends are introduced to Shakespeare by their new teacher who talks to a pot plant and praises Shakespeare as the greatest. Inspired, the class decides to learn and perform one of his plays, but things don't go as planned. Izzy, known from 'The Spy Who Loved School Dinners,' decides to share some of Shakespeare's most dramatic stories with her friends. They explore 'Macbeth,' 'Hamlet,' 'A Midsummer Night’s Dream,' and 'Romeo and Juliet,' adding their own humorous and spooky twists to these classic tales. This engaging introduction to Shakespeare is filled with blood, guts, ghostly happenings, and characters in nightwear, making it a captivating read for young readers. Izzy's rendition of 'Macbeth' was also featured on the BBC Radio series 'Shakespeare Retold,' narrated by Shirley Henderson.
Discussion points
Why do you think the characters reacted the way they did in the story?
What would you have done differently if you were in the same situation as the main character?
How did the character's actions affect those around them?
What lesson do you think the story was trying to teach us?
Can you think of a time when you felt similar to the main character?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story. Validate their emotions and provide examples from your own experiences that relate to the situations in the book. Ask them to predict what might happen next or how different actions could have led to different outcomes. This not only boosts comprehension but also empathy and decision-making skills.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: The characters in 'To Wee or Not to Wee' face a series of humorous challenges, showcasing their ability to think creatively to solve problems.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to approach their daily challenges with a problem-solving attitude, enhancing their ability to think critically and creatively.
Example Lesson: Friendship and Collaboration
Explanation: The characters in the book work together to navigate their misadventures, highlighting the importance of cooperation and teamwork.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of working with others to achieve common goals, fostering teamwork skills from an early age.
Example Lesson: Humor in Everyday Life
Explanation: The book uses humor to address everyday situations, demonstrating that laughter can be a powerful tool for dealing with life's ups and downs.
Real-World Application: Children learn to use humor as a coping mechanism, helping them to maintain a positive outlook in various situations.
Example Lesson: Expression Through Storytelling
Explanation: Characters express themselves and their experiences through tales, highlighting the power of storytelling.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to share their own stories and experiences, fostering communication skills and emotional expression.