The Wouldbegoods
#2 in Bastable Children Series
on Goodreads (2,125)
What’s inside...
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Character compass
Oswald Bastable
Horace Octavius Bastable (H. O.)
Noel Bastable
Dickie Bastable
Alice Bastable
Dora Bastable
Discussion points
How did the Bastables' adventures change their understanding of what it means to be 'good'?
Which character do you relate to the most and why?
What lessons do you think the Bastables learned from their experiences?
How do the Bastables' schemes show the consequences of their actions?
If you were part of the Bastable family, what kind of adventure would you suggest?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their opinions and feelings about the story. Ask them to think about what 'being good' means to them. Relate the Bastables’ experiences to real-life situations your child might encounter. This helps them connect personally with the book’s themes and promotes ethical thinking.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of Honesty
Explanation: In 'The Wouldbegoods', the children often find themselves in troublesome situations due to dishonesty. Their attempts to cover up their misdeeds lead to further complications.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the value of truthfulness and the consequences of dishonesty, understanding that being honest helps build trust and resolve conflicts more effectively in real life.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: The characters in the book take on various projects with the aim to be good, which teaches them about responsibility. Their experiences show that being responsible involves planning, effort, and accountability.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand the importance of fulfilling their duties and obligations, whether in completing homework, performing chores, or caring for others.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Compassion
Explanation: The storyline showcases the children's attempts to do good deeds, which sometimes misfire. However, their motivations are rooted in empathy, and they often learn to understand and feel the emotions of others better.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to think about the feelings of others and the impacts of their actions, fostering a more empathetic outlook that enhances their social interactions and friendships.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: Throughout the book, the children embark on their endeavors together, highlighting the importance of collaboration and mutual support.
Real-World Application: This illustrates the benefits of working with others towards common goals, teaching children the value of cooperation and the strengths of working in a team in school projects or group activities.
Example Lesson: Learning from Mistakes
Explanation: The narrative often sees the children reflecting on the outcomes of their actions, particularly when their plans do not go as expected. This shows them learning from their mistakes.
Real-World Application: Children can learn that mistakes are part of learning and growth. Understanding and reflecting on errors can lead to better decision-making and personal development.