Wulfie: Stage Fright
Wulfie Series
on Goodreads (5)
What’s inside...
Wulfie: Stage Fright is a charming tale of a young girl named Libby and her best friend, Wulfie. Wulfie is a small, purple wolf-like creature with special powers that can only be seen by Libby. When Libby lands a part in the school play, her excitement is quickly overshadowed by her stage fright. With Wulfie by her side, Libby learns to overcome her fears and discovers the joy of performing. Libby lives a lonely life with her mean stepmother, her ineffectual inventor father, and her nasty step-brother, Rex. Then she makes a new best friend: Wulfie, a purple wolf-like creature who can shrink down very small or grow very big (usually on purpose, often not). Wulfie is a sweet but mischievous character who helps get Libby out of difficult situations at school and to get revenge on Rex - all the while just managing not to be discovered. From the Award-winning creator of ground-breaking animated series Punky comes a tale of magic, mischief, and most importantly, friendship.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
8-12
Length
128 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Libby
Wulfie
Veronika
Discussion points
How do you think Libby felt when she was picked for the lead role, and how would you feel in a similar situation?
Wulfie is a unique character who can become invisible; if you had Wulfie's powers for a day, what would you do?
Libby faces several challenges in the story. Can you think of a time when you faced a challenge and how you dealt with it?
What do you think about the way Libby and Wulfie help each other throughout the book? Can you think of a friend who helps you in tough times?
How do you think the story would change if Wulfie wasn't invisible? Would Libby have acted differently?
Tip: Role play these questions
Create a relaxed and attentive setting for the discussion, away from distractions, to ensure your child feels comfortable sharing their thoughts.
Show genuine interest in their responses by using active listening techniques, such as nodding and repeating back what your child says to confirm understanding.
Encourage your child to elaborate on their answers by asking follow-up questions that require more than a yes or no response.
Relate the discussions to your child’s personal experiences to help them connect with the characters and situations in the book, enhancing empathetic understanding.
Celebrate their insights and thoughts, which will boost their confidence in expressing themselves and their analytical thinking.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Facing fears
Explanation: In 'Wulfie: Stage Fright,' the protagonist, Libby, overcomes her fear of performing in front of an audience with Wulfie’s help.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to confront and manage their own fears, whether it's speaking in class or trying out for a sports team.
Example Lesson: Importance of friendship
Explanation: Throughout the book, Wulfie supports and encourages Libby, showcasing the power of friendship.
Real-World Application: This lesson emphasizes the value of helping and being there for friends, which can foster stronger, supportive relationships in a child's life.
Example Lesson: Creativity and imagination
Explanation: Libby uses her imagination to solve problems and overcome obstacles, demonstrating the importance of creative thinking.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to use their imagination in problem-solving, promoting creativity in both academic and social situations.
Example Lesson: Acceptance of differences
Explanation: Wulfie, being different from other characters, is accepted and cherished for who he is, which speaks to the theme of accepting and celebrating differences.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be inclusive and accepting of people's differences in their communities and schools.
Example Lesson: Resilience and perseverance
Explanation: Libby shows resilience in overcoming the challenges she faces, especially related to her stage fright.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the importance of perseverance in achieving goals and overcoming difficulties, instilling an attitude of resilience in their personal growth.