Pick a Pet
What’s inside...
This interactive book allows children to explore various types of pets and choose their favorite, with entertaining illustrations by Anna Chernyshova. It's a great resource for parents whose children are eager to have a pet.
Age
3-6
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What qualities would you look for in a pet? Why?
How do you think each pet felt when it was or wasn't chosen?
If you could create a pet, what special features would it have?
Why is it important to take care of pets?
How would you convince mom or dad to let you have a pet?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about each pet from the book.
Discuss the responsibilities involved in taking care of a pet and relate them to everyday tasks to gauge their readiness.
Use descriptive words from the book to build vocabulary and ask your child to describe their ideal pet using similar words.
Connect the story to real-life decisions by discussing family or friends who have pets and how they care for them.
After reading, consider visiting a local animal shelter or pet store to visually connect the book themes with the real world.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: The story of 'Pick a Pet' follows a child who learns about the responsibilities involved in caring for a pet, making thoughtful decisions on which pet to choose based on their ability to care for it.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by taking on small responsibilities at home, like feeding a pet or keeping their room tidy, understanding that their actions impact others.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: As the protagonist interacts with different pets, they learn to consider the needs and feelings of others, not just their own desires.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to think about how their actions affect their friends and family, promoting empathy in their daily interactions.
Example Lesson: Decision Making
Explanation: Throughout the book, the child faces choices and learns the importance of weighing options and considering the consequences before making a decision.
Real-World Application: Children can use this skill to make more thoughtful choices, such as sharing toys with siblings or choosing a book to read based on their interests and the time available.
Example Lesson: Patience
Explanation: The story encourages patience as the child learns that good things come to those who wait, like finding the perfect pet after careful consideration.
Real-World Application: This can help children develop patience while working on a project, waiting their turn, or learning a new skill.
Example Lesson: Respect for Animals
Explanation: The book teaches children to treat animals with kindness and respect, understanding that pets are living beings with needs.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be gentle and caring towards animals they encounter, fostering a lifelong respect for living creatures.