Whump!... In Which Bill Falls 632 Miles Down a Manhole
on Goodreads (11)
What’s inside...
At a quarter to four on a Tuesday afternoon, a ten-year-old boy named Bill ran at full speed around a corner, tripped over his long stripy scarf, and fell several hundred miles down a manhole. Accompanied by a scruffy princess, an alien, a happy elf, and a mysterious antelope, Bill embarks on a great adventure filled with unexpected encounters and challenges.
Age
8-12
Length
264 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think Bill felt when he was falling down the manhole? How would you feel in a similar situation?
Why do you think the author chose a manhole for Bill's adventure? What does it symbolize?
Can you think of a time when you discovered something unexpected, like Bill? What did you learn from it?
What do you think happens next after the story ends? Can you imagine another adventure for Bill?
How did the characters in the story help each other? Why is it important to help others?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the discussion with your child by sharing a personal story of a time you felt surprised or scared, similar to Bill's emotions in the story. This personal touch can make the conversation more relatable.
Encourage your child to draw their version of a 'manhole' adventure, which can spark creativity and help them express their understanding of the story.
Ask your child to predict what happens next at different points in the book, which stimulates their imagination and anticipation.
Acknowledge all responses, even if they deviate from the book’s plot, to foster an open dialogue where your child feels comfortable expressing their thoughts and feelings.
Highlight the themes of discovery and teamwork in the book, connecting them to real-life benefits of exploration and cooperation.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: In the story, Bill's unexpected journey down the manhole demonstrates resilience as he creatively navigates challenges.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by learning to overcome obstacles they face in school or in social interactions with perseverance and innovative thinking.
Example Lesson: Curiosity
Explanation: Bill’s adventures throughout the story encourage curiosity and exploring the unknown.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to explore new subjects and ask questions about the world around them, fostering a love for learning.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: Bill encounters various challenges during his fall that require critical thinking and problem solving to navigate.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of thinking on their feet and finding solutions to problems they encounter in everyday life.
Example Lesson: Friendship
Explanation: Throughout the story, characters help and support each other, highlighting the importance of friendship.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to value and nurture relationships, learning how cooperation and teamwork can help solve problems.