Wanda & Dragonfly
on Goodreads (7)
What’s inside...
Wanda thinks that night time is far too exciting to spend in bed, so she and her friend Dragonfly set off on an adventure that sees them rocketing to the moon, rowing on the high seas and discovering pink-spotted kangaroos on unchartered islands. Sure to capture both young children and young at heart adults.
Age
4-8
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Wanda felt when she first met Dragonfly? Can you think of a time when you met someone new?
What are some ways Wanda and Dragonfly helped each other in the story? Why is it important to help friends?
What do you think the garden would look like without Dragonfly? How do you think that made Wanda feel?
If you could talk to Dragonfly, what would you ask him? Why?
What is your favorite part of the adventure Wanda and Dragonfly shared and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive tones while discussing the characters and their emotions to help your child better understand and connect with their feelings.
Encourage your child to imagine alternative scenarios in the story, boosting creativity and critical thinking.
Refer back to the book’s illustrations when discussing the story, helping your child connect visual elements with the narrative.
Praise your child’s responses to ensure they feel confident in expressing their thoughts and opinions about the story.
Relate the themes of friendship and teamwork in the book to your child’s own experiences to enhance personal connection and understanding.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: In 'Wanda & Dragonfly,' Wanda learns to understand and empathize with the dragonfly’s perspective, realizing that everyone has unique feelings and challenges.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by recognizing the importance of listening to their peers and trying to understand their feelings, fostering a supportive environment at school and at home.
Example Lesson: Courage and Adventure
Explanation: The story showcases Wanda’s bravery as she embarks on an adventure with the dragonfly, overcoming obstacles and facing fears along the way.
Real-World Application: This narrative encourages children to embrace new experiences and challenges, building their confidence and resilience in unfamiliar situations or when trying new activities.
Example Lesson: Importance of Nature
Explanation: Through her interactions with the dragonfly and the natural world, Wanda discovers the beauty and significance of preserving the environment.
Real-World Application: Children are taught to appreciate and care for nature, understanding their role in environmental stewardship, which can manifest in activities like recycling, planting trees, or participating in local clean-up days.
Example Lesson: Inquisitiveness and Learning
Explanation: Wanda’s journey is filled with questions and discoveries, highlighting the joy and importance of staying curious and eager to learn.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to ask questions and seek answers about the world around them, enhancing their educational experience and encouraging lifelong learning.