Why Not?
illustrations by
What’s inside...
The book 'Why Not?' by George Webster is a tale of curiosity and exploration, following the adventures of a young protagonist who constantly asks 'Why not?' when faced with challenges and opportunities. This leads to a series of exciting and unexpected journeys that teach valuable life lessons.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-6
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What does it mean to keep asking 'Why Not?' when faced with a challenge?
How do the characters in the book overcome obstacles by being creative?
Can you think of a time when you asked 'Why Not?' and tried something new or different?
What would you do if you were in the main character’s shoes in the story?
How do you think asking 'Why Not?' can help us in everyday life?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before starting the book, ask your child what they think 'Why Not?' could mean in different situations to gauge their pre-reading thoughts.
Encourage your child to relate personal experiences to those of the characters, reinforcing the connection between real life and the story’s themes.
Use expressive reading techniques, changing your tone and pace to match different scenarios in the book to make the reading experience more dynamic and engaging.
After reading, have a creative session where you and your child think of new 'Why Not?' scenarios and discuss potential outcomes.
Point out specific illustrations or parts of the text that exemplify the theme and ask open-ended questions to encourage deeper thinking and understanding.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Exploration
Explanation: The protagonist, Timmy, consistently asks 'Why Not?' when faced with new situations, encouraging a sense of wonder and inquiry.
Real-World Application: Children can be inspired to question their surroundings and explore new activities, fostering a lifelong love of learning.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: Timmy encounters various challenges on his adventures and finds creative solutions by thinking differently.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply critical thinking skills to overcome obstacles in schoolwork or social interactions, building resilience and resourcefulness.
Example Lesson: Courage and Confidence
Explanation: As Timmy tackles new experiences without fear, he demonstrates the importance of bravery in personal growth.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to face unfamiliar situations or challenges with confidence, whether it's trying a new sport or standing up in class.
Example Lesson: The Value of Persistence
Explanation: Despite setbacks, Timmy doesn't give up. His persistence is rewarded with new discoveries and personal growth.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of persistence in achieving goals, whether completing a difficult puzzle or mastering a new skill.