Wild Child: Forest's First Home
Wild Child Series
What’s inside...
On a family camping trip, Olive Regle encounters Forest, a young boy who has grown up in the wild. Olive's father agrees to let Forest move in under the condition that Olive teach Forest everything about proper behavior. He has never sat at a table, brushed his teeth, or even taken a bath before! It's a lot for Forest to learn, and Olive's brother, Ryan, isn't making things easier - he misguides Forest by telling him that football should be played inside. In 'Wild Forest's First Home', the first book in this sweet and funny chapter book series, Olive tries to help Forest adapt to modern life, but challenges arise as they navigate this new dynamic.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-7
Length
144 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Wild Child felt when he first arrived in the forest?
What are some ways Wild Child adapted to his new home? Can you think of a time you had to adapt to something new?
What friendships did Wild Child form in the forest? How did these friendships help him?
Can you imagine your own forest adventure? What creatures would you meet, and what challenges would you face?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the story, relating it to their personal experiences. Use expressive questions to delve deeper into the emotional and moral lessons of the tale. Create a relaxed environment for discussion, perhaps retelling parts of the story to refresh your child's memory. Highlight the illustrations and ask your child what they notice and how it contributes to the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Change
Explanation: The protagonist, Forest, moves to a new home in the woods, learning to adapt and find joy in unfamiliar surroundings.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this when they face new situations such as changing schools or moving homes, helping them to embrace change positively.
Example Lesson: Respect for Nature
Explanation: Throughout the story, Forest learns about different plants and animals, teaching him to treat nature with care and respect.
Real-World Application: Kids are encouraged to be mindful of their environment, fostering responsible behavior such as not littering and participating in recycling programs.
Example Lesson: Importance of Curiosity
Explanation: Forest's inquisitive nature leads him to explore and learn about his new woodland home, showing that curiosity is a valuable trait.
Real-World Application: This can motivate children to ask questions and seek knowledge in all areas of their lives, promoting lifelong learning and exploration.
Example Lesson: Building Friendships
Explanation: Forest makes friends with the woodland creatures, illustrating the importance of friendship and social interactions.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand the value of making and maintaining friendships, improving their social skills and emotional intelligence.
Example Lesson: Problem-Solving Skills
Explanation: Throughout the book, Forest encounters various challenges that he must solve, which enhances his problem-solving skills.
Real-World Application: Children learn to apply critical thinking in overcoming everyday obstacles, whether it’s resolving conflicts with peers or facing academic challenges.