Wondrous Rex
What’s inside...
A tale about the joy found in using words, sharing stories, and loving a wondrous dog: Rex. Grace’s aunt, Lily, is a writer who is often 'flummoxed' by her writing. Her stories don’t go anywhere, her desk is a mess, and her writer’s group can’t help. So, Lily posts an ad for an assistant and meets Rex, a Labrador retriever who changes both Grace’s and Lily’s lives. Rex inspires Lily and helps Grace find the words to write her own story. This magical and funny tale is penned by Newbery Medal-winning author Patricia MacLachlan.
Age
8-12
Length
88 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Grace
Lily
Wondrous Rex
Discussion points
What special talents do you think Rex has, and how do they help the people around him?
How does the relationship between Grace and Rex change throughout the story?
Why do you think Rex was important for the writers in the story?
What did you learn from Rex’s actions and the way he interacts with others?
If you had a magical pet like Rex, what adventures would you want to go on together?
Tip: Role play these questions
Highlight the emotional aspects of the book, discussing how Rex’s unique abilities influence the feelings and actions of other characters.
Encourage your child to imagine and express what kind of magical pet they would like and what special powers it would have.
Ask your child to think about and discuss what they would write if they had Rex's help, fostering a connection to the creative writing process.
Draw parallels between the teamwork in the book and situations in your child’s life where working with others helps to solve a problem.
Use examples from the book to discuss the importance of friendship, kindness, and understanding, relating them to your child's real-life experiences.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of friendship
Explanation: In 'Wondrous Rex', Rex, a magical dog, helps Grace, a writer, to overcome her writer's block, illustrating the power of companionship.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to value and nurture relationships, understanding that friends can provide support during challenging times.
Example Lesson: Embracing uniqueness and individual talents
Explanation: Rex's unique ability to help with writing showcases that everyone has special skills that can contribute positively to others' lives.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to appreciate their own unique qualities and those of others, fostering a positive self-image and respect for diversity.
Example Lesson: Creativity and inspiration
Explanation: The story highlights how Rex inspires Grace to be more creative, which helps her succeed in her writing.
Real-World Application: Kids are encouraged to seek inspiration and express themselves creatively, whether in writing, art, or other forms of expression.
Example Lesson: Perseverance in overcoming obstacles
Explanation: Grace faces writer's block, a significant challenge in her career, but with Rex's support, she perseveres and overcomes this obstacle.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of persisting through difficulties, emphasizing that challenges can be surmounted with determination and support.