We Gather Together...Now Please Get Lost! (Gilbert the Opossum)
Gilbert Series
on Goodreads (208)
What’s inside...
When Gilbert gets stuck with annoying tattletale Philip as his partner for the class trip to Pilgrim Town, he wishes Philip would just get lost! But when Gilbert hides from Philip in the bathroom and can't get out, he's sure he'll have to spend Thanksgiving there all alone. Luckily, faithful Philip comes to the rescue. This memorable holiday episode in the popular series about Gilbert proves to readers that there is always something to be thankful for.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-8
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Gilbert
Mrs. Byrd
Philip
Discussion points
How do you think Gilbert felt when he got lost? Can you describe a time when you felt the same way?
Why is it important to work together as a team, like Gilbert and his friends did?
What would you have done if you were in Gilbert's situation?
How did Gilbert and his friends solve their problem, and what can we learn from that?
Tip: Role play these questions
When discussing the book, use empathetic listening to truly understand your child's thoughts and emotions. Relate their experiences to the story to make it more relatable. Encourage your child to think of different solutions to Gilbert's situation, enhancing their problem-solving skills. End your reading session by asking your child what they learned from the story, reinforcing the book’s themes and their understanding.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of cooperation
Explanation: In 'We Gather Together...Now Please Get Lost!', Gilbert and his classmates face challenges during a field trip that require working together to overcome. The story illustrates how cooperation can lead to solving problems and achieving goals.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson in group activities or school projects, learning that teamwork is essential for success and can make tasks easier and more enjoyable.
Example Lesson: Understanding and managing feelings
Explanation: Throughout the book, Gilbert experiences various emotions, including frustration and disappointment. The narrative serves as a guide for children to understand their feelings and teaches them healthy ways to express and manage them.
Real-World Application: This lesson assists children in identifying their emotions and expressing them appropriately in daily interactions, contributing to emotional maturity and better relationships with peers.
Example Lesson: Resilience in facing unexpected situations
Explanation: Gilbert’s field trip doesn’t go as planned, which showcases the importance of staying positive and resourceful in unforeseen circumstances. The story encourages resilience and adaptability.
Real-World Application: Children learn to stay calm and think on their feet when things go awry, whether it’s a change in plans or facing minor setbacks, enhancing their problem-solving skills and confidence.
Example Lesson: Value of forgiveness
Explanation: The characters in the story make mistakes, and through forgiveness, they learn to mend their relationships. The book emphasizes the power of forgiveness and moving forward.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of forgiving others for their mistakes, fostering a sense of peace and reinforcing positive social interactions.