The Shelterlings
on Goodreads (435)
What’s inside...
A group of magical misfit animals, known as the 'shelterlings,' learn to appreciate their unique powers when they must work together to thwart a villain's attempt to steal their magic. Holly, a grey squirrel, and her friends have unconventional magical abilities, such as conjuring pastries, that make them unsuitable as wizards' familiars. Instead of embarking on noble quests, they reside at the Shelter for Rejected Familiars. When an old friend offers a plan to cure their defective magic, they eagerly assist in gathering ingredients for a powerful spell. However, they discover the true intent behind the plan and must defend their magic, ultimately realizing that their unorthodox skills are exactly what is needed to save the day.
Age
8-12
Length
247 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Holly
Angus
Crispin
Discussion points
How did the different animals in the shelter show their unique strengths? Can you think of a time when you used your special skills to help someone?
Why do you think teamwork was important for the Shelterlings? Have you ever worked in a team to solve a problem?
How did the characters in the book change from the beginning to the end? What do you think caused those changes?
What do you think is the book's message about friendship and helping each other?
If you could be friends with any character from the book, who would it be and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate personal experiences to the book’s themes, enhancing their empathy and understanding.
Praise your child’s insights and responses to foster confidence in expressing their thoughts and opinions.
Ask follow-up questions based on your child's responses to dig deeper into their understanding and feelings about the story.
Connect the book's themes to real-world examples, making the discussion relevant and meaningful.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: In 'The Shelterlings,' the characters of various animal types form a close bond despite their differences. This setting allows young readers to see the value of empathy by relating to others' feelings and perspectives.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to listen and understand their friends or classmates who may come from different backgrounds or have different experiences.
Example Lesson: Courage in face of adversity
Explanation: The protagonist, despite being in an uncertain environment, demonstrates bravery and a willingness to confront challenges.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to face their fears whether it’s trying out new activities, or standing up for what is right in difficult situations.
Example Lesson: Importance of Friendship and Support
Explanation: The story emphasizes how friendships can provide emotional support and help overcome obstacles, showcasing the animals working together to solve problems.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to value and nurture friendships, understanding that teamwork and cooperation are vital in achieving common goals.
Example Lesson: Adaptability and Resilience
Explanation: As the characters in the book face various challenges, they learn to adapt to their circumstances and be resilient in order to thrive.
Real-World Application: Teaching children adaptability and resilience helps them manage change and bounce back from setbacks in school or in social settings.
Example Lesson: Acceptance and Inclusion
Explanation: The Shelterlings shows how embracing each individual’s uniqueness strengthens a community.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to be inclusive and accepting of peers who might appear different, promoting a healthy, diverse social environment.