PAWS: Mindy Makes Some Space
#2 of 4 in PAWS Series
What’s inside...
Best friends Mindy Kim, Gabby Jordan, and Priya Gupta are back in business with their successful dog-walking venture, PAWS. However, Mindy struggles with changes at home as her mom starts dating, making Mindy feel left out. A new student, Hazel, expresses interest in joining PAWS, further intensifying Mindy's fears of change. As Mindy's stubbornness begins to impact her relationships, she must confront her fears and learn to adapt. This graphic novel is perfect for fans of Raina Telgemeier and Shannon Hale, offering a mix of friendship, family dynamics, and cute pets.
Character compass
Michael
Priya Gupta
Mindy Park
Malcolm Jordan
Sunny Park
Gabby Jordan
Hazel
Discussion points
How do you think Mindy felt when she decided to make some space? Can you relate to her feelings?
What are some ways Mindy tried to create space, and what can we learn from her attempts?
How did the other characters in the story react to Mindy's need for space? How would you react if you were in their place?
What does 'making space' mean to you, and why do you think it's important?
If you were Mindy, how would you solve the problem differently?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their own experiences with needing space, linking them to Mindy’s story.
Discuss the importance of personal space and boundaries, helping your child understand these concepts through Mindy’s experiences.
Ask your child how they would feel in Mindy's situation, fostering empathy and understanding of the character's emotions.
Highlight moments in the book where Mindy makes decisions and ask your child what they would do instead, encouraging critical thinking and decision making.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of personal space
Explanation: Mindy, the main character, teaches children that it is okay to seek solitude to sort through their feelings and thoughts.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to find their own quiet corner at home or school where they can recharge and reflect on their day.
Example Lesson: The value of patience
Explanation: Through her interactions with her friends, Mindy shows that patience is crucial when dealing with others and helps in building stronger relationships.
Real-World Application: Children can implement patience by waiting their turn during playtime or listening attentively when others are speaking.
Example Lesson: Understanding and expressing emotions
Explanation: The story portrays Mindy as she navigates through her emotions, providing a model for young readers on how to express what they feel in a healthy manner.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children articulate their feelings to their parents or teachers about things that make them happy or upset.
Example Lesson: Respect for others' feelings
Explanation: Mindy learns to recognize and respect the feelings of her friends, which is an essential social skill.
Real-World Application: Children can practice this by noticing how their actions affect others and making amends if they hurt someone’s feelings.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: Throughout the book, Mindy encounters various challenges that she learns to solve by herself, demonstrating critical thinking and resilience.
Real-World Application: Kids can use problem-solving skills during disagreements with siblings or friends by coming up with fair solutions.