Virgil, the Nervous Nutria
on Goodreads (1)
What’s inside...
A little nutria is rescued and finds a home with the most unusual family. He doesn't know what to expect at first, but soon realizes that they show him unconditional love even though he makes mistakes. He starts out as a very nervous nutria, but as time goes by, he soon finds that he is not nervous anymore. God created this special little nutria to bring a lot of enjoyment to the Fell family. Open your heart to God's creation and enjoy reading about Virgil.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-9
Length
38 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Why do you think Virgil feels nervous about trying new things?
What are some ways Virgil's friends help him feel more confident?
Can you think of a time when you were nervous like Virgil, and how did you overcome it?
What does this story teach us about friendship and support?
If you were Virgil, what would you do differently in the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
While discussing the book, mirror Virgil’s emotions through your tone and expressions to make the story relatable.
Encourage your child to share personal experiences that relate to Virgil’s story, fostering a deeper personal connection to the theme.
Use examples from the book to discuss the importance of trying new things, even when we feel anxious or scared.
Highlight the role of friends and family in overcoming fears, as shown in the book, to teach the value of support systems.
Ask your child to guess what might happen next before turning the page, to enhance engagement and prediction skills.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Facing Fears
Explanation: Virgil, despite being a timid nutria, faces various challenges through the story that help him overcome his nervousness.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to confront their own fears, whether it's trying new activities or making new friends, and understand that it's a natural part of personal growth.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: Throughout the book, other characters show patience and support towards Virgil's fears, teaching the value of empathy.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be supportive and understanding towards others who might seem different or who are dealing with their own fears.
Example Lesson: The Importance of Friendship
Explanation: Virgil learns that with the support of his friends, he can manage his fears better and accomplish more than he thought possible.
Real-World Application: It highlights for children how building and maintaining friendships can provide emotional support and help overcome personal challenges.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: Despite the setbacks, Virgil keeps trying, demonstrating the importance of perseverance.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of not giving up easily, even when situations are challenging, and to keep striving towards their goals.
Example Lesson: Self-Acceptance
Explanation: By the end of the story, Virgil starts to accept and manage his nervosity instead of letting it define him.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand that everyone has strengths and weaknesses and that accepting oneself is crucial for personal happiness and growth.