Willow's Words
What’s inside...
Far beneath the stormy mountains, past the creaking bridge in a towering butterfly tree lives a graceful young girl named Willow who doesn't speak but loves to dance. She dances alone beneath the sugarberry tree at recess. She dances in her very own sunflower garden at home. And she dances with the little baby fairies her mother looks after. Her mother and father, her teachers and classmates, and even all the doctors in the land are puzzled by her silence, but Willow dances on. One day, when Willow's mother notices her daughter and the little fairies dancing and laughing together, she realizes that Willow has been communicating all along through movement. Soon, Willow teaches her mother and father, her friends, and all the townspeople to express themselves through dance, bringing life and color back into their gloomy, storm-devastated town. Willow's Words is the story of a girl who found her voice through dance, and how everyone around her learned to listen.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-11
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think Willow felt when she found the magic words?
Why is it important to choose our words carefully?
How did Willow’s words change the way her friends felt?
Can you think of a time when your words made a difference?
What would you do if you found your own set of magic words?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to put themselves in Willow’s shoes, enhancing empathy and perspective-taking.
Discuss the power of words, highlighting how they can be used to hurt or heal.
Ask your child to think of words that are important to them and why, fostering a personal connection to the theme.
Create a 'magic words book' together where you both write words that are meaningful and discuss their impacts.
Praise your child for thoughtful responses, reinforcing positive communication and critical thinking.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The power of words
Explanation: Willow's journey in finding her voice through storytelling demonstrates the impact words can have.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of thoughtfully expressing themselves, fostering better communication at home and school.
Example Lesson: Persistence pays off
Explanation: Despite challenges, Willow remains determined to share her stories, emphasizing perseverance.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to remain diligent in their tasks, whether in academic subjects or personal hobbies.
Example Lesson: Creativity as a bridge to connection
Explanation: Willow uses her creative tales to connect with friends and family, showing the social value of creativity.
Real-World Application: Children can use creative activities as a means to forge and deepen relational ties with others.
Example Lesson: Empathy through storytelling
Explanation: Willow's stories often reflect understanding of others' feelings, teaching empathy.
Real-World Application: Helps children grasp the importance of considering others' perspectives and emotions, improving their social interactions.
Example Lesson: Building confidence through self-expression
Explanation: As Willow shares her stories, she gains confidence, illustrating the self-esteem benefits of self-expression.
Real-World Application: Supports the idea of children engaging in activities that allow them to express their thoughts and ideas, boosting their self-confidence.