The World's Worst Children 2
#2 of 7 in The World'S Worst Children Series
on Goodreads (3,761)
What’s inside...
The World's Worst Children 2, by David Walliams, is a delightful and wildly entertaining collection of short stories designed to amuse and astonish its readers. This sequel to the first book introduces a new group of hilariously horrible children, each with their own distinctively dreadful behavior and outrageously funny consequences. From competitive eaters to endless interrupters, each story serves as a cautionary tale with a twist of humor and moral lessons subtly woven in. Illustrated by Tony Ross, the book's vivid imagery complements the text, bringing each child's misadventures to life. Aimed at younger readers, this book continues to capture the imagination while imparting the idea that being the worst isn't something to aspire to.
Character compass
Humbert The Hungry Baby
Grubby Gertrude
Boastful Barnabas
No No Noe
Messy Missy
Toxic Teresa
Harry Who Never, Ever Did His Homework
Cruel Clarissa
Gruesome Gary
Fussy Frankie
Discussion points
What do you think motivates the characters to behave the way they do?
How would you feel if you met one of the characters from the book?
What lessons can we learn from the characters' experiences?
If you could change one thing about the story, what would it be and why?
Which character would you like to be friends with and what would you do together?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think about the motivations behind the characters' actions. Ask open-ended questions that prompt deeper thinking and personal connection. Highlight the moral lessons and discuss personal experiences that relate to the characters’ adventures. Foster empathy by discussing how they would feel in similar situations. This engagement will enrich your child's reading experience and enhance their understanding and empathy.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of empathy
Explanation: Various stories in 'The World's Worst Children 2' illustrate how lack of empathy leads to chaos and trouble, teaching children the value of understanding others' feelings.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by being considerate of their friends' and family members’ emotions, helping to create a more supportive and caring environment around them.
Example Lesson: Consequences of dishonesty
Explanation: The book features characters who lie or cheat, and the negative outcomes of their actions demonstrate the importance of honesty.
Real-World Application: This lesson can be applied in real life as children learn to value honesty in their daily interactions, understanding that truthfulness builds trust and respect.
Example Lesson: Learning from mistakes
Explanation: Characters in the book often face repercussions from poor decisions, which teaches that mistakes are opportunities for growth and learning.
Real-World Application: Children will see the value in acknowledging and learning from their mistakes, encouraging personal development and better decision-making in the future.
Example Lesson: The value of perseverance
Explanation: Some stories showcase characters who succeed after multiple failures, highlighting the importance of persistence.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to keep trying despite setbacks or challenges, fostering a resilient and determined attitude toward achieving goals.