Whatever: (BookLife Readers)
2020 by
on Goodreads (1)
What’s inside...
In 'Whatever: (BookLife Readers)' by William Anthony, young readers embark on an engaging journey with a character who uses the word 'whatever' to navigate various life scenarios. This simple yet profound narrative offers an exploration into the power of language and expression. It subtly encourages children to understand and articulate their emotions, aligning with developmental milestones in emotional literacy. This book is a great tool for parents to help their children improve their communication skills and emotional understanding, making it a valuable addition to any young reader's library. In another story, the village of Bottom needed a new leader, and it fell to seven-year-old Nina, who was not enthusiastic about taking control or ruling with pride. Bottom was in for a bumpy ride.
Why read this book
- Encourages creativity and expression through engaging storytelling.
- Builds empathy and emotional understanding with diverse characters.
- Strengthens reading skills with clear, age-appropriate language.
- Fosters curiosity and exploration in young readers.
The Big Picture
- Builds resilience through engaging, relatable storytelling.
- Teaches adaptability in face of new challenges.
- Encourages open discussion about feelings and changes.
Diversity & Representation
- Showcases a variety of characters from diverse backgrounds.
- Promotes multicultural understanding and appreciation in young readers.
- Encourages empathy by presenting multiple perspectives.
Age
5-7
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
developing
Character Compass
Discussion points
What do you think the main character felt when they said 'Whatever'? Can you think of a time you felt the same?
Why do you think the author chose 'Whatever' as the title? What does this word mean in different situations?
How do the illustrations help tell the story? What can you learn from the pictures that the words don’t tell you?
What are some ways the characters in the book could solve their problems? How would you solve them if you were in their shoes?
What lesson do you think the author wanted us to learn from this story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading: change your tone and pace to match the emotions and actions in the book, which helps children grasp the narrative and mood.
Encourage your child to predict the story’s progression after pivotal moments, promoting an active role in the reading experience.
Ask your child to describe their favorite character and why they like them, allowing them to express personal connections to the story.
Post-reading, relate the story’s messages to real-life scenarios your child might encounter, making the book’s lessons more tangible.
What parents love
Perfect blend of fun narrative and moral lessons.
Kids love the adventurous, engaging plot!
Addresses self-identity with warmth and understanding.
Key Lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Diversity
Explanation: The story showcases a variety of characters each with unique traits, highlighting the importance of accepting and celebrating differences.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate the diversity in their own classroom and community, promoting inclusivity and empathy towards others.
Example Lesson: Importance of Teamwork
Explanation: Characters in the book often work together to solve problems, demonstrating how collaboration can lead to success.
Real-World Application: This lesson can encourage children to participate in group activities and understand the value of cooperating with peers in school projects or team sports.
Example Lesson: Resilience in Facing Challenges
Explanation: The protagonist encounters several obstacles but persists to overcome them, teaching resilience.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by not giving up easily when faced with difficulties in their studies or personal life.
Example Lesson: Value of Curiosity and Learning
Explanation: Curiosity drives the characters to explore and learn new things, showing that being curious is essential for growth.
Real-World Application: Kids can be motivated to ask questions and explore subjects that interest them, fostering a lifelong love for learning.
Example Lesson: Kindness and Compassion
Explanation: Through acts of kindness between characters, the story conveys the importance of being compassionate.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to act kindly towards their siblings, friends, and even strangers, helping to build a caring community.