Dork Diaries: Tales from a Not-So-Peaceful Pet Sitter
#6 of 15 in Dork Diaries Series
on Goodreads (2)
What’s inside...
In this installment of the Dork Diaries series, Nikki Maxwell is tasked with pet-sitting for her crush's family, which includes a mischievous dog and a sneaky snake. Amidst the chaos, Nikki must also navigate the ups and downs of middle school life. This book is the Traditional Chinese edition of Dork Diaries 10: Tales from a Not-So-Perfect Pet Sitter.
Character compass
Nikki Maxwell
Zoey Franklin
Chloe Garcia
Brandon Roberts
Mackenzie Hollister
Discussion points
How do you think Nikki felt when she had to become a pet sitter? Can you relate to any of her feelings?
What are some ways Nikki tried to solve her problems? What would you have done differently?
Why do you think friendship is important in the story? How do Nikki’s friends help her?
What did you learn about responsibility from Nikki’s experiences?
How do the illustrations add to the story? Which picture was your favorite and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, ask your child what they know about pet sitting and what they think might happen in such a story. This sets the stage for active reading.
Pause at tense moments in the story and ask your child to predict what might happen next. This encourages analytical thinking.
Relate the story to your child’s experiences by discussing any times they had to take care of something or someone and how they felt about it.
After finishing the book, encourage your child to draw their favorite scene. Discuss why they chose that particular scene, deepening their connection to the story.
Ask your child to think about a time they helped a friend or received help. Relate it back to Nikki’s experiences to reinforce the theme of friendship.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: The protagonist, Nikki, takes on the role of pet sitting, learning to manage her duties and care for the animals responsibly.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by taking charge of small tasks at home, such as caring for a pet or keeping their room tidy, to develop a sense of responsibility.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: Throughout the book, Nikki shows empathy towards the pets she cares for, understanding their needs and emotions.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to recognize and respond to the feelings of others, whether it's comforting a friend or helping a family member.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: Nikki faces and resolves various challenges while pet sitting, using her creativity and resourcefulness.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to think critically and solve problems they encounter, such as resolving conflicts with friends or finding solutions to school tasks.
Example Lesson: The value of friendship
Explanation: Nikki relies on her friends for support and advice, highlighting the importance of strong, supportive relationships.
Real-World Application: This lesson can remind children to cherish and maintain their friendships, offering help and receiving support in return.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: Despite the difficulties Nikki faces, she remains committed to fulfilling her responsibilities as a pet sitter.
Real-World Application: This shows children the importance of sticking with a task even when it becomes challenging, teaching them grit and determination.