No Kiss for Mother
on Goodreads (355)
What’s inside...
Children will sympathize with young Piper Paw when he squirms from his adoring and overly attentive mother as she smothers him in kisses and pet names and tries desperately to please him. Previous novels by Ungerer include Cats as Cats Can and Moon Man.
Age
7-9
Length
48 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Piper Paw
Mrs. Paw
Discussion points
How do you think Piper felt when his mother wanted to kiss him, and why?
What are some ways Piper tries to avoid his mother's kisses? Can you think of other ways he could have handled it?
Why is it important to respect others' feelings about personal space and affection?
How did Piper's relationship with his mother change by the end of the story?
Can you think of a time when you felt like Piper and how you handled the situation?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the discussion by sharing your own story about personal space to make your child feel more comfortable expressing their feelings. Encourage your child to think of different ways people show affection and discuss which ways make them feel loved and comfortable. Highlight the importance of communication and respecting each other's boundaries, tying it back to Piper’s experiences in the book. Use a calm and understanding tone to make the conversation feel safe and open.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Respecting Boundaries
Explanation: The story centers around Piper, a young cat who dislikes his mother's kisses. Through his reactions, children can understand the importance of personal boundaries.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to express their own comfort levels and respect others’ boundaries in personal interactions, such as greeting with a wave instead of a hug if preferred.
Example Lesson: Dealing with Consequences
Explanation: Piper's behavior, like skipping school and fighting, leads to various consequences, teaching that actions have repercussions.
Real-World Application: This lesson prepares children to understand accountability, helping them think twice before making choices that might lead to negative outcomes.
Example Lesson: Value of Communication
Explanation: Through the conflicts between Piper and his mother, the importance of open communication is highlighted.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to talk about their feelings and resolve disagreements through discussion, rather than keeping their emotions bottled up or acting out.
Example Lesson: Understanding and Compassion
Explanation: The story also shows how Piper's family eventually tries to understand his feelings toward being kissed.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of empathy and trying to see situations from other people’s perspectives, fostering understanding and compassion in their social interactions.