Wondering

Abstract

Introduction:  In the story Kio & Gus (Lipman, 1982), Kio and Gus introduce themselves in their characteristic ways right at the beginning of the novel: Kio demonstrates the more matter-of-fact, down to earth, approach to things, while Gus straight away draws us into her private world inviting us to wonder what it is like to be a bat, Leviathan the whale, Kio’s grandfather, or to wonder whether anyone has ever wondered and what it would be like to understand everything. Gus is the more inquiring, of the two friends, whereas Kio seems to take things for granted as they are. The theme of wonderment is also emphasised in the title of the accompanying Manual, `Wondering at the world,’ so it is worth exploring and responding to Gus’ challenge: `Have you ever wondered what it is like to be a bat?’ Just what is involved in such an activity?