Wolves in Helicopters
What’s inside...
Every night, Hop has nightmares filled with scary, hungry-eyed wolves. Although they only exist in her dreams, they seem very real. Her mummy comforts her and provides practical advice, but Hop must find the courage to conquer her fears. This gentle and funny story for young readers is illustrated by Sainsbury's Children's Book Award-Winning Paddy Donnelly and offers practical advice for children who suffer from night fears and terrors.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-9
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the wolves felt when they first saw the helicopter?
What do you think the wolves hoped to achieve with the helicopter?
Can you imagine a different ending to the story? How would it change if the wolves did something else?
Why do you think the author chose wolves and helicopters? What does this combination make you think about?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading each section, ask your child to predict what might happen next, enhancing their ability to anticipate and imagine.
Relate the story’s themes to real-life scenarios that your child might encounter, fostering deeper connections and understanding.
Discuss the character’s emotions and actions in different scenarios within the book to cultivate empathy and moral reasoning.
Encourage your child to draw or act out different scenes from the book, deepening their engagement and comprehension.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Cooperation
Explanation: The story highlights how the wolves work together while navigating the helicopter, emphasizing the importance of teamwork to achieve common goals.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson in group activities at school or collaborative play, learning to work together and value everyone’s contribution.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: Throughout the book, the wolves encounter various challenges that they must solve to continue their journey, showcasing effective problem-solving strategies.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to think critically and creatively in solving problems they encounter in daily life, whether it’s in academic tasks or personal obstacles.
Example Lesson: Adaptability
Explanation: The wolves frequently have to adapt to unexpected situations, which highlights the importance of being flexible and adaptable in the face of change.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to be more adaptable at home and in school, which is a crucial skill in managing changes and transitions smoothly.
Example Lesson: Courage and Bravery
Explanation: Facing the unknown in a helicopter, the wolves display courage, teaching children the importance of facing fears head-on.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to embrace new experiences and challenges, helping them to grow and develop confidence.
Example Lesson: Environmental Awareness
Explanation: The story subtly touches on the impact of technology on nature, promoting discussions on environmental consciousness.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to think about how their actions impact the environment and learn the importance of taking care of our planet.