Ragweed and Poppy
#7 in Poppy Series
on Goodreads (352)
What’s inside...
The first new book about Poppy in more than ten years, from Newbery Medal-winning author Avi with illustrations throughout by Caldecott Medal-winning artist Brian Floca.Ragweed and Poppy is one of the "10 Top Middle-Grade Summer Reads," according to Kirkus Reviews! How did Ragweed and Poppy meet and become friends? This book tells their hilarious story! Adventurous golden mouse Ragweed is on a freight train leaving the city of Amperville. On his journey, he meets Lotar, a young and bothersome raccoon who has lost his mother. Though Ragweed doesn't really want to help the raccoon, by doing so he winds up in Dimwood Forest.Ragweed is now ready to strike off on his own, but it's not long before he hears a cry for help. Following the sound of the voice, he finds a cage with a deer mouse trapped inside. When he asks the mouse's name, she replies, "Poppy."The story of Ragweed comes to Poppy's aid, and how Poppy comes to his, is how their rousing and fateful friendship begins. As for that annoying raccoon, he keeps getting in the way. Fans of animal tales and especially of the beloved previous books in the Poppy series will love Ragweed and Poppy!
Why read this book
- Adventure-filled narrative fosters imagination and curiosity.
- Dynamic characters encourage empathy and emotional understanding.
- Introduces problem-solving skills through engaging storytelling.
- Enhances vocabulary and reading comprehension naturally.
Character compass
Poppy
Ragweed
Discussion points
What do you think Ragweed and Poppy learned about friendship throughout their adventures?
How did Ragweed and Poppy help each other overcome challenges?
In what ways do Ragweed and Poppy show they care for each other and their other friends?
What does this story teach us about handling differences and disagreements with friends?
How do you think the story would change if Ragweed and Poppy hadn’t met?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate the story to their own experiences by sharing personal stories of friendship and teamwork.
Ask your child to describe the emotions felt by Ragweed and Poppy at different points in the book, emphasizing empathy and understanding.
Discuss the importance of problem-solving and teamwork, drawing parallels to real-life situations your child might encounter.
Invite your child to imagine alternative endings or continuations of the story to cultivate creativity and reasoning.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage and stepping out of one's comfort zone
Explanation: Ragweed, a country mouse, courageously explores a new city, demonstrating bravery and open-mindedness.
Real-World Application: Children can embrace new experiences and environments, learning to adapt and find joy in change.
Example Lesson: Friendship and accepting differences
Explanation: Despite their differences, Ragweed and Poppy form a strong bond, showcasing the beauty of diverse friendships.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and cherish friendships that may not mirror their own background or experiences.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving and teamwork
Explanation: The characters work together to tackle challenges, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and mutual support.
Real-World Application: Kids are encouraged to cooperate with others to solve problems, enhancing their social skills and group dynamics understanding.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: Poppy faces various threats but remains resilient and determined, teaching persistence.
Real-World Application: Children can apply resilience by remaining steadfast in their goals and overcoming obstacles with a positive attitude.
Example Lesson: Empathy and compassion
Explanation: Ragweed shows empathy towards other characters, including those who are initially antagonistic.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children develop a sense of empathy, enabling them to understand and share the feelings of others.