POCKET TALES YEAR 5 MR WILLOUGHBY'S WALLABY
Pocket Tales Series
illustrations by
What’s inside...
Mr Willoughby's Wallaby takes readers on a charming journey as Mr. Willoughby tries to find the perfect home for his mischievous wallaby in a quaint English village. Along the way, they encounter various humorous and heartwarming adventures. Pocket Tales is part of Pocket Reads, a superb collection of quality books that capture children's imaginations. The collection features a variety of genres including Pocket Sci-Fi, Pocket Facts, and Pocket Chillers. Each of the 105 pocket-sized fiction and non-fiction books is beautifully illustrated and carefully leveled to the National Curriculum and Book-Banded to ensure progression in reading skills, appealing to even the most reluctant readers and providing captivating facts.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
9-11
Length
96 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think motivated Mr. Willoughby to get a wallaby, and how would you feel in his situation?
How do the other characters react to the wallaby and what does this tell us about them?
If you could choose an unusual pet like Mr. Willoughby, what would it be and why?
What are some of the challenges Mr. Willoughby faces with his wallaby and how does he handle them?
How does the story end and what do you think is the moral of the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think about the emotions and motivations behind characters' actions to deepen their understanding of interpersonal relationships. Ask them to relate scenarios in the story to real-life situations, which can help develop empathy and decision-making skills. Lastly, foster an environment where imaginative thinking is celebrated, encouraging them to think about what unusual pet they might like and why.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: The story shows how Mr. Willoughby takes responsibility for caring for a wallaby, emphasizing the dedication required to look after another being.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of being responsible, whether it is taking care of a pet, doing their homework, or helping around the house.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: As Mr. Willoughby learns about the wallaby's needs and feelings, readers see the development of empathy towards animals.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to consider the feelings and perspectives of others, fostering more compassionate interactions with both animals and people.
Example Lesson: Problem-Solving
Explanation: The book highlights how Mr. Willoughby creatively addresses unexpected challenges while caring for the wallaby.
Real-World Application: It teaches children that problem-solving is a valuable skill in daily life, helping them to navigate challenges and come up with effective solutions.
Example Lesson: Adaptability
Explanation: Mr. Willoughby's experience with the wallaby teaches him to adapt to new situations and be open to learning new things.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by being flexible and willing to adjust to changes, whether at school or in social settings.
Example Lesson: Joy of Learning
Explanation: The fun interactions between Mr. Willoughby and the wallaby instill a sense of curiosity and joy in learning about new creatures and environments.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to explore and learn about the world around them with enthusiasm and interest.