Ben and the Porcupine
#6 in Christopher Series
What’s inside...
When his dog Ben tangles with a porcupine, Christopher fears for his pet's safety until he thinks of a way to pacify the porcupine.
Character compass
Ben
Dad
Porcupine
Discussion points
How do you think Ben felt when he first saw the porcupine?
Why is it important to be careful and respectful around wild animals?
What would you have done if you were in Ben's place?
How did Ben’s interaction with the porcupine change his views on wildlife?
What can we learn from the porcupine’s behavior in the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive tones while reading to mimic the emotions Ben might be feeling in different parts of the story.
Pause at key moments to ask your child what they think might happen next, boosting their predictive skills and keeping them engaged.
After reading, connect the story to your child’s personal experiences with animals, fostering a deeper personal connection to the narrative.
Encourage your child to draw a picture of Ben and the porcupine, helping them visualize and retain the story better.
Discuss the importance of wildlife conservation and how we should treat animals in the wild.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: In 'Ben and the Porcupine', Ben learns to understand and empathize with the porcupine's fears and needs, even though they are very different from his own.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to recognize and respect the feelings and perspectives of others, promoting kindness and cooperation in social settings.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: Throughout the book, Ben encounters various challenges that require him to think critically and creatively to find solutions that help both him and the porcupine.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to develop their problem-solving skills, which are vital in academic settings and in overcoming everyday obstacles.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Ben takes on the responsibility of caring for the porcupine, learning the importance of commitment and reliability in the process.
Real-World Application: Kids can relate this to taking care of their belongings, completing homework, or helping in the household, understanding that being responsible benefits themselves and others.
Example Lesson: The Value of Friendship
Explanation: The story highlights the development of a friendship between Ben and the porcupine, showcasing how friendship can arise from understanding and mutual respect.
Real-World Application: This can help children appreciate the importance of building positive relationships and being a good friend in their own lives.
Example Lesson: Courage to Face Fears
Explanation: Ben shows courage when approaching and helping the initially intimidating porcupine, demonstrating the importance of overcoming fears to help others.
Real-World Application: Children learn that facing fears, whether big or small, is a part of growth and can lead to rewarding experiences and new friendships.