This week we are going to look at a novel by Wendy Orr that was written in 2003 and it certainly has an Australian flavour as it is set deep in the bush. This one was written after she wrote and published Nim's Island but before Nim's Island became even more popular and was made into a movie.
We are only going to read the first two chapters of this book to give you a taste of what it is about. This might be a book that you'd like to borrow and keep reading for yourself.
As you read this story today, try and see if you can notice any similarities to Nim's Island. What kinds of things does Wendy Orr use in both books? You will even be able to identify some of the things from her earlier books in this book as well.
We are only going to read the first two chapters of this book to give you a taste of what it is about. This might be a book that you'd like to borrow and keep reading for yourself.
As you read this story today, try and see if you can notice any similarities to Nim's Island. What kinds of things does Wendy Orr use in both books? You will even be able to identify some of the things from her earlier books in this book as well.
Read Chapter 1 and Chapter 2
Some things to discuss after reading:
- How was Finn feeling at the beginning of this story?
- Was he feeling any differently by the end of Chapter 2?
- What was unusual about Jack Henry and his dog?
- How would you describe Finn? Do you admire him? Why or why not?
- How is Finn like Nim from Nim's Island?
- How has Wendy Orr used the animals in this story so far? Are there any similarities to Nim's Island?
- Read the blurb now on the back of the book. What do you think will happen in this story? How will the boy, the ghost and the dog save the bush? Or will they? Who will be the hero/s?
- Would you like to read this book? (I would!) Why or why not?
Adventure Fantasy
This book is described as an adventure fantasy.
What does this mean? Why is Spook's Shack an adventure fantasy? What things in this story make it an adventure and what things make it fantasy?
Are The Tin Can Puppy and Ark in the Park Adventure Fantasies? Why or why not?
Would you describe Nim's Island as an adventure fantasy?
Do you like this type of story? Discuss other "genres" and what you like best.
What does this mean? Why is Spook's Shack an adventure fantasy? What things in this story make it an adventure and what things make it fantasy?
Are The Tin Can Puppy and Ark in the Park Adventure Fantasies? Why or why not?
Would you describe Nim's Island as an adventure fantasy?
Do you like this type of story? Discuss other "genres" and what you like best.