Walnut Grove Woods
on Goodreads (1)
What’s inside...
In the enchanting story set in Walnut Grove Woods, Mr. and Mrs. Squirrel, along with their three children, Pea, Sugar, and Treacle, embark on an adventure one sunny May afternoon. While Mr. Squirrel wants to climb the tallest tree, Mrs. Squirrel and the children decide to gather nuts for walnut cake and butter. Despite their varying ideas of fun, the Squirrel family's gentle nature always leads them to find clever solutions to any challenge. As the story unfolds, they not only embark on an adventure but also learn valuable lessons on kindness, bravery, and the importance of family and creating happy memories.
Age
6-12
Length
79 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the characters in Walnut Grove Woods learned about friendship?
How do you think the forest animals felt when the seasons changed in Walnut Grove Woods?
What would you do if you were a character in Walnut Grove Woods? How would you help your friends?
Why is it important to help and understand each other like the characters in the book?
Which part of Walnut Grove Woods was your favorite and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation with a positive note about the book, highlighting a specific scene or character your child enjoyed. Use open-ended questions to encourage your child to think deeply about the themes and relationships in Walnut Grove Woods. Listen actively to your child’s responses, showing genuine interest and encouraging them to elaborate on their thoughts and feelings. Connect the book’s themes to real-life experiences, asking your child to recall moments when they helped a friend or experienced changes like the characters. Lastly, encourage your child to imagine beyond the book, perhaps by asking how they would act in a similar situation or what they would change about the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: In 'Walnut Grove Woods', the main character, Ellie, learns to understand and feel the emotions of her woodland friends through various challenges they face together.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by learning to recognize and respect the feelings and perspectives of others, enhancing their social interactions and emotional intelligence.
Example Lesson: Courage and Resilience
Explanation: Throughout the story, Ellie faces her fears and overcomes obstacles, teaching her resilience. Her courage in confronting the unknown serves as a powerful model for young readers.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to face their fears and challenges confidently, knowing they can overcome difficulties with persistence.
Example Lesson: Importance of Teamwork
Explanation: Ellie and her friends in 'Walnut Grove Woods' must work together to solve problems, highlighting the importance of teamwork and cooperation.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of collaboration and how working with others can help solve complex issues more effectively than working alone.
Example Lesson: Respect for Nature
Explanation: The story engenders a deep appreciation for the environment as Ellie interacts with nature and its inhabitants, fostering a sense of responsibility and stewardship.
Real-World Application: This promotes environmental consciousness in young readers, inspiring them to participate in conservation efforts and respect for their natural surroundings.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Imagination
Explanation: Ellie's adventures are filled with imaginative scenarios that encourage creative thinking. The narrative celebrates the power of imagination and its role in problem-solving.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to use their creativity to think outside the box and find unique solutions to problems, both academically and in play.