Penny Pollard's Diary
#1 in Penny Pollard Series
What’s inside...
Penny Pollard's Diary by Robin Klein is a humorous children's book that follows the adventures of a feisty and rebellious girl named Penny. Written in diary format, the story provides insight into Penny's thoughts and feelings as she navigates various challenges, including her dislike for girly things, her struggles at school, and her relationship with her family. Penny's distinctive voice and candid observations make for an engaging and entertaining read as she deals with everyday life and embarks on a school trip, where she discovers her interest in horses and photography. The book is known for its relatable characters, witty dialogue, and the way it captures the essence of being a young girl who is determined to be herself. Penny dislikes old people, wearing dresses, doing homework, and many other things, but when she meets Mrs. Edith Bettany, a woman as rebellious as herself, she discovers a new friend.
Character compass
Penny Pollard
Mrs. Edith Bettany
Discussion points
How do you think Penny felt when she was trying to avoid wearing dresses? Can you relate to a time you didn't want to do something others expected of you?
What are some ways Penny shows her independence and unique personality? How do you express your own individuality?
Penny writes in her diary to share her thoughts and feelings. Why do you think it's important for her to have this private space? Do you have a similar outlet for your thoughts?
How does Penny’s relationship with her family and friends change throughout the book? What do these changes tell us about growing up?
What is your favorite part of Penny's adventures and why? How would you handle the situations she faced?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to compare and contrast their own experiences with Penny’s, fostering empathy and deeper understanding of the character.
Highlight the importance of self-expression and individuality as displayed by Penny, and discuss ways your child can express their own unique traits.
Discuss the role of journaling or other forms of personal expression, and consider starting a creative project together like a shared journal or scrapbook.
Use the narrative to discuss broader themes like friendship dynamics and family relationships, relating them back to your child’s own life and experiences.
After reading the book, engage in a role-play session where your child can act out their favorite scene or create an alternate ending, encouraging creativity and storytelling.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: Penny Pollard's interactions and observations provide a platform for readers to understand diverse perspectives and emotions. Her relationship with her eccentric elderly friend demonstrates acceptance and empathy.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate the differences in the people around them, fostering a more inclusive and understanding approach in their daily interactions at school and in the community.
Example Lesson: Importance of Self-Expression
Explanation: Through Penny's diary entries, we see the significance of expressing thoughts and emotions. This honest form of expression helps Penny cope with her feelings and situations.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to keep journals or diaries, helping them to articulate their thoughts, reflections, and emotions effectively, aiding in emotional development.
Example Lesson: Resilience in Facing Challenges
Explanation: Penny's adventures often lead to challenging situations, yet she shows resilience and resourcefulness in solving problems. This highlights the importance of persistence and creative thinking.
Real-World Application: Children learn to approach obstacles in their lives with determination and to think outside the box for solutions, essential skills for personal and academic success.
Example Lesson: The Value of Friendship
Explanation: Throughout the book, the theme of friendship is prevalent. Penny learns to navigate her relationships with peers, which teaches her the value of true friendship.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand the importance of building and maintaining meaningful relationships, emphasizing loyalty, support, and communication.
Example Lesson: Growth Through Experience
Explanation: Penny's encounters and the reactions they elicit help her to grow and mature throughout the book.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to view each experience as a learning opportunity, understanding that growth often comes through facing new situations and learning from them.