Henri and the Loup-Garou
on Goodreads (6)
What’s inside...
A father's trip home through the woods to his young children is endangered by the dreadful beast, the Loup-Garou.
Age
9-12
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Henri felt when he first encountered the Loup-Garou?
What would you have done if you were in Henri's place?
Why is it important to understand and respect differences in others?
How did Henri's perspective about the Loup-Garou change by the end of the story?
What does this story teach us about fear and bravery?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the story, whether they found it scary, exciting, or funny.
Discuss the concept of misunderstood characters and why sometimes people or creatures may not be what they seem.
Relate the story to personal experiences where your child had to overcome fear or a misunderstanding with someone else.
Utilize the illustrations in the book to discuss non-verbal cues that might indicate how characters are feeling.
Praise your child for their insights and thoughts, reinforcing their confidence in expressing their viewpoints.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of fear
Explanation: Henri, the protagonist, confronts the mythical creature, the Loup-Garou, demonstrating bravery despite his fears.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of facing their fears and the value of courage, applicable when dealing with daunting situations like the first day at school or trying out something new.
Example Lesson: Understanding and empathy
Explanation: As Henri learns more about the Loup-Garou, he develops an understanding and empathy towards the creature rather than fear.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to look beyond initial impressions and seek to understand others, which is crucial in developing empathy and improving interpersonal relationships.
Example Lesson: The power of friendship
Explanation: Henri befriends the Loup-Garou, transforming their relationship from fear to friendship, showing how kindness can change dynamics.
Real-World Application: This highlights the importance of friendship and how reaching out in kindness can turn potential adversaries into friends, essential for building harmonious communities in school and beyond.
Example Lesson: Resilience and problem-solving
Explanation: Henri overcomes challenges in the story by thinking on his feet and coming up with creative solutions to deal with the Loup-Garou.
Real-World Application: This underscores the value of resilience and innovative thinking in overcoming obstacles, skills that are beneficial in academic and personal challenges.
Example Lesson: Appreciation for folklore and culture
Explanation: The story introduces children to the mythical creature Loup-Garou, rooted in French folklore, providing a cultural lesson.
Real-World Application: Children gain an appreciation for different cultural narratives and the rich tapestry of mythology, broadening their worldview and cultural understanding.