Mandy's Pet Shop: A pet shop for monsters
Mandy'S Pet Shop Series
on Goodreads (13)
What’s inside...
Decker visits Mandy's Pet Shop and finds that not everything is what it seems. Instead of cats and dogs, Mandy's Pet Shop is full of monsters! Mandy, the fun and zany pet shop owner, introduces Decker to a cast of whacky and adorable monsters, helping him find the perfect pet. She also teaches him the importance of not judging a book by its cover. With lovable monsters and off the wall rhymes, Mandy's Pet Shop makes learning to read scary fun!
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
1-7
Length
28 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think makes the pet shop in the story special for monsters?
If you could create a pet for a monster, what unique features would it have?
How do the monsters in the book take care of their pets?
Why do you think the monsters chose those specific pets?
What did you learn about friendship and responsibility from Mandy's experiences in the pet shop?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to use their imagination by asking them to describe their ideal monster pet. Highlight the importance of caring for pets, just like the characters in the book, to teach responsibility. Discuss the personality traits of different pets and their monster owners to deepen understanding of the story’s characters. Finally, use the book’s setting and events to discuss with your child how unique and diverse friendships can form in the most unexpected places.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Acceptance of differences
Explanation: The story showcases Mandy interacting with various monsters, each with unique appearances and quirks, teaching that differences are not just okay, but wonderful.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to embrace diversity among their peers and understand that everyone has something special to offer, regardless of how they look or where they come from.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Mandy demonstrates responsibility by taking care of the monsters' needs in her pet shop, ensuring each creature is happy and healthy.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by taking on small responsibilities at home, such as caring for a pet, or maintaining their own space, fostering a sense of accountability and duty.
Example Lesson: Creative problem-solving
Explanation: Throughout the book, Mandy encounters various challenges that she addresses with creative solutions, showing the importance of thinking outside the box.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to approach their own challenges creatively, whether in play, school projects, or interpersonal conflicts.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: Mandy's interactions with the monsters highlight her ability to understand and share the feelings of another, regardless of their monstrous exterior.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children to look beyond external appearances and to connect with others on an emotional level, promoting deeper interpersonal connections and compassion.