Who Goes There?
What’s inside...
Cozy up to this tender tale about overcoming fears and finding friendship, from the New York Times bestselling author of Bear Snores On. Lewis Mouse is preparing his nest for winter. It is cozy and it is warm, and yet something is missing. All of a sudden—SCRITCH, SCRATCH, TAP, TAP, TAP! Lewis hears the scariest noises! Who can be making those sounds? He uses his bravest voice to shout, “WHO GOES THERE?” and scare off whoever it is. But could it be that he has nothing to be afraid of? Perhaps whoever is making the noise might make Lewis’s home even cozier!
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the main character felt when they heard the mysterious noise? How would you feel?
Why is it important to not jump to conclusions about things we don't understand?
How did the characters work together to solve the mystery? Can you think of a time when you worked with others to solve a problem?
What would you have done differently if you were in the story?
How do you think the story would change if it took place in a different setting, like a city or a beach?
Tip: Role play these questions
As you explore each page, encourage your child to predict what might happen next, enhancing their analytical skills.
Discuss the emotions of different characters at various points in the story to help your child understand diverse perspectives.
Post-reading, ask your child to draw their favorite scene or character from the book. This helps reinforce their memory and understanding of the story.
Link the story's themes to your child's experiences, such as working together with friends, dealing with the unknown, or exploring new places.
Use a comforting tone when discussing the mysterious elements of the story to ensure the child feels secure and open to expressing their thoughts.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding and managing fears
Explanation: In 'Who Goes There?', the characters confront mysterious sounds and shadows that stir fear. They learn to investigate rather than immediately assuming the worst, finding often benign sources for their fears.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to face their own fears and uncertainties, asking questions and seeking understanding when they feel scared or unsure.
Example Lesson: Cooperation
Explanation: The story showcases characters working together to discover the source of the mysterious noises. Through teamwork, they overcome challenges that they could not have managed alone.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of working with others to achieve common goals and solve problems, a vital skill in school projects and everyday tasks.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and exploration
Explanation: The characters' journey is driven by curiosity, leading them to explore and ultimately understand their environment better.
Real-World Application: Kids are encouraged to explore the world around them, ask questions, and seek knowledge, enhancing their cognitive development and understanding of the world.
Example Lesson: Critical thinking
Explanation: The book encourages not taking things at face value and exploring all possibilities. The characters critically assess the situation to figure out the reality behind their fears.
Real-World Application: This can help children in distinguishing between assumptions and facts, improving their problem-solving skills in academic and social settings.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: As the characters understand their fears are shared, they learn to help each other cope and provide reassurance, fostering empathy.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children to be attentive to others’ feelings and fears, helping them build healthier relationships and social interactions.