Willow at Christmas
#3 in The Wind in the Willows continuation Series
on Goodreads (51)
What’s inside...
Willow is the gentlest bear you will ever meet. He lives on Paradise Farm, and he loves the crisp, cold days and cosy nights of Christmas, and for weeks he watches for the first snow of winter. Then one morning Willow wakes to whiteness - the snow has come, and Christmas has begun. Delicate watercolors evoke the wonder of childhood as Willow, the gentle bear, prepares for a perfect Christmas with all of his friends on Paradise Farm.
Discussion points
How do you think Willow felt when she received her Christmas gift?
What do you like most about Christmas and why?
Why is it important to give and receive gifts during Christmas?
Can you think of a time you helped someone like Willow helped her friends?
What would you have done differently if you were in Willow's place?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about Christmas, relating them to Willow’s experiences.
Discuss the spirit of giving and kindness with your child, highlighting how these themes are shown in the book.
Ask your child to draw parallels between their own life and Willow’s story to deepen their connection and understanding.
Create a warm, inviting reading environment that mimics the cozy, festive atmosphere described in the book.
Use the illustrations in the book to ask your child to describe the scenes, fostering their attention to detail and vocabulary.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of kindness
Explanation: In 'Willow at Christmas,' Willow displays acts of kindness by helping her friends prepare for the holiday season despite her own busy schedule.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to help others around them, whether by assisting in household chores or being supportive to friends, cultivating a compassionate attitude.
Example Lesson: Value of teamwork
Explanation: Throughout the story, Willow and her friends collaborate to decorate their community and organize festive events, highlighting the impact of working together.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to participate in group activities at school or in sports, understanding that teamwork can achieve greater results than working alone.
Example Lesson: Celebrating diversity and traditions
Explanation: The book showcases various winter traditions from Willow's diverse group of friends, educating on different cultural celebrations.
Real-World Application: Kids are encouraged to learn and respect different cultural backgrounds and festivities which fosters inclusivity.
Example Lesson: The joy of giving
Explanation: Willow experiences happiness by giving handmade gifts to her friends, demonstrating that joy comes from making others happy.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to partake in gift-giving occasions, understanding that thoughtfulness in giving brings joy to both giver and receiver.