Whales on Stilts!
#1 of 6 in Pals in Peril Series
on Goodreads (2,071)
What’s inside...
Lily Gefelty is just an average twelve-year-old girl. Her dad, who seems normal enough, works for an evil genius planning to unleash an army of cranky, stilt-walking, laser-beam-eyed whales on the world. Luckily, Lily's best friends, Jasper Dash and Katie Mulligan, are far from average. Jasper invents gadgets, and Katie fights zombies and were-goats. Together with her extraordinary friends, Lily must find a way to stop the evil plan. If they can't, it will be up to Lily, just an ordinary girl, to come up with a plan to save the world. M. T. Anderson delivers a humorous and quirky new series in this novel, perfect for those who enjoy thrilling tales with a playful twist.
Character compass
Lily Gefelty
Larry Gefelty
Jasper Dash
Katie Mulligan
Discussion points
What would you do if you encountered a whale on stilts?
How do the characters in the book work together to solve problems?
What do you think is the most important message of the story?
If you could create your own adventure story, what unusual creature would you include and why?
How do you think the story would change if it was set in our hometown?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine and describe what a whale on stilts might look like, enhancing their creativity and attention to detail.
Discuss the importance of teamwork as demonstrated in the book, relating it to real-life situations where working together is beneficial.
Ask your child how they perceive the story’s resolution and what they would have done differently, fostering critical thinking.
Create a fun drawing session where you and your child design your own 'whale on stilits' or another fantastical creature featured in your child's imaginary story.
Use a map to locate your hometown and imagine together how the story would unfold in this familiar setting, making connections between the fictional and real world.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Collaboration
Explanation: In 'Whales on Stilts!', the protagonist, along with friends, works together to thwart the invasion plan. This showcases the power of working in a team.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of cooperating with others to achieve a common goal, which is applicable in school projects or sports.
Example Lesson: Courage and Facing Fears
Explanation: The characters confront terrifying whale-robot hybrids. Their bravery in facing fears head-on is a prominent theme.
Real-World Application: This helps children understand the value of facing their fears, whether it’s trying new activities or standing up for themselves.
Example Lesson: Innovation and Problem Solving
Explanation: The young heroes use creative thinking and gadgets to solve problems, demonstrating that innovation can overcome obstacles.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to think creatively in their daily problem solving, be it in homework tasks or personal challenges.
Example Lesson: Importance of Humor
Explanation: Despite the dire situations, the book is laced with humor, teaching that laughter can be a powerful coping tool.
Real-World Application: Children learn to use humor to relieve stress in tough situations, aiding in emotional resilience.
Example Lesson: Persistence
Explanation: Throughout the adventure, the characters face numerous setbacks but continue to persevere, a testament to the power of determination.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the value of not giving up despite difficulties, be it in completing a difficult task or learning a new skill.