Vunce Upon a Time
What’s inside...
Dagmar is not like other vampires. He's shy, he's afraid of humans, and he's a vegetarian! But even more than he likes vegetables, Dagmar loves candy. And when he hears about all the treats he can get on Halloween, he knows he has to be brave and venture out into the human world. A wonderful new book from the author and illustrator of Olive, the Other Reindeer.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think Dagmar felt when he first discovered candy? Can you relate to a time you discovered something exciting?
Why do you think the witch reacted the way she did to Dagmar?
How did Dagmar's feelings about Halloween change throughout the story?
What would you do if you were in Dagmar's place during his adventure?
How do you think the story would change if Dagmar shared his candy with the witch?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation with an open-ended question about their favorite part or character, to get them thinking about the story in a broader context.
Encourage your child to express their emotions about the story, relating to how Dagmar felt at different points. This helps in developing empathy and understanding perspectives.
As you discuss the witch’s reactions, guide your child to think about the motives behind actions, enhancing their critical thinking.
Use scenarios from the book to ask what they might have done differently, fostering problem-solving skills and creativity.
End with a question about an alternate ending, encouraging imaginative thinking and narrative skills.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage to overcome fears
Explanation: The protagonist, a vampire who fears humans, demonstrates courage by venturing out into the world to satisfy his love for candy. This journey showcases his bravery as he faces his fears head-on.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to confront and manage their own fears, whether it's trying new activities or facing challenging situations, thereby helping them grow more confident and resilient.
Example Lesson: Importance of curiosity and trying new things
Explanation: Despite his initial fear, the vampire's curiosity about the human world and candy drives him to explore and learn. This adventure enriches his experience and changes his perspective positively.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to be open to new experiences and learn from them, which can lead to personal growth and a broader understanding of the world around them.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding different perspectives
Explanation: As the vampire interacts with the human world, he begins to understand and empathize with humans rather than fearing them based on stereotypes.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the value of empathy by understanding people who are different from them, promoting inclusiveness and reducing prejudices.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of obstacles
Explanation: Throughout his quest for candy, the vampire encounters and overcomes various challenges, demonstrating resilience and determination.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to persist through difficulties in pursuit of their goals, understanding that obstacles can be overcome with determination.