Have you ever felt nervous before trying something new, like Whatnot did?

This is a discussion prompt for Whatnot Takes Charge by Linda Newbery. Use it to spark conversation with your child after reading.

What did Whatnot do when things didn't go as planned? What can we learn from him?

This is a discussion prompt for Whatnot Takes Charge by Linda Newbery. Use it to spark conversation with your child after reading.

What makes Tim and Whatnot such good friends?

This is a discussion prompt for Whatnot Takes Charge by Linda Newbery. Use it to spark conversation with your child after reading.

If you were at the school fete, which competition would you want to enter?

This is a discussion prompt for Whatnot Takes Charge by Linda Newbery. Use it to spark conversation with your child after reading.

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Whatnot Takes Charge

Name: Whatnot Takes Charge
ISBN: 9781405212052

by Linda Newbery

Tim enters his dog Whatnot into the school fete competition, but a sudden scare leads to a hilarious mix-up. Will Whatnot end up as top dog?

About This Book

Tim knows Whatnot is a winner and enters him for a competition at the school fete. But Whatnot takes fright, and gets mixed up with the fancy dress race, will he end up as top dog, or in the dog-house? Suggested level: junior, primary.

Concepts

Fear & Bravery Self-Confidence & Identity Resilience & Perseverance Friendship & Loyalty Joy & Gratitude Teamwork & Collaboration Making Friends Peer Pressure Dogs School Life Friendship & Social Puzzles & Games

Heads up, parents

peril_danger

Wonderlit Review

Linda Newbery's 'Whatnot Takes Charge' is a charming picture book that captures the delightful chaos of a school fete through the eyes of a nervous but ultimately courageous dog. The story centers on Whatnot, a dog entered by his owner Tim into a competition. When fright takes over, Whatnot's accidental detour into the fancy dress race provides both comedic relief and an unexpected path to self-discovery. The book handles the sensitive topic of fear and anxiety in a lighthearted, relatable way, showing that it's okay to be scared and that sometimes the best outcomes happen when we embrace the unexpected. The emotional arc is gentle and uplifting, starting with a touch of nervousness but quickly moving into a playful, hopeful journey towards triumph. This book is specifically for children aged 3-7 who might be experiencing their own jitters about new situations, competitions, or simply love a good animal story. A parent might reach for this book when their child is feeling anxious about a school event, trying a new activity, or needs a reminder about the power of perseverance. There are no scenes that require extensive previewing, as the 'peril' is mild and humorous. Younger children (3-5) will enjoy the funny mix-up and the dog's antics, while older children (6-7) can grasp the underlying message about bravery and resilience. What sets this book apart from others on similar themes is its focus on the dog's agency in navigating his fear and the clever use of the fancy dress race as a vehicle for his unexpected success, making it a uniquely playful take on overcoming challenges.