Rolo the Pet Earthling
#2 of 2 in Fear Zone Series
on Goodreads (354)
What’s inside...
They thought the fears were gone. They thought the nightmares would stop haunting them. But the five of them were wrong. They're older now. They're friends. But that friendship can be shattered so easily when life turns scary again. It was bad enough when it was just clowns and sharks and snakes. Back then, they had to conquer their own fear. Now . . . they have to conquer everyone else's.
Discussion points
What do you think Rolo feels when he arrives on Earth for the first time?
How did Rolo’s actions help his new friends, and what does that teach us about kindness?
If you were to meet Rolo, what questions would you ask him and why?
What are some ways Rolo tries to understand Earth, and how can we learn from new environments like him?
How do you think the story would change if Rolo visited a different planet?
Tip: Role play these questions
Be curious and encourage your child's imagination by asking them to think about what they would do if they met an alien like Rolo.
Discuss the themes of empathy and friendship in the story, asking your child how they can apply these in their own lives.
Use the book’s illustrations to engage your child further, asking them to describe what they see and how certain colors or drawings make them feel.
Encourage your child to link the story to their personal experiences, facilitating a deeper understanding of the book’s messages.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: In 'Rolo the Pet Earthling', Rolo, an alien from another planet, learns to understand and share the feelings of his human friends. This connection is demonstrated when Rolo helps a friend who is feeling sad, showing that he cares and wants to help.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by noticing when their friends or family members are upset and offering kindness or help, just as Rolo does.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Rolo is tasked with taking care of a plant, which teaches him the importance of being responsible. Throughout the story, Rolo learns to water the plant regularly and ensure it gets enough sunlight, illustrating his commitment and growth in responsibility.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to take care of their belongings or pets, understanding that consistent effort and attention are needed to nurture and maintain the well-being of others.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Learning
Explanation: Rolo's constant questioning and exploration highlight the value of curiosity. His adventures lead to new discoveries about Earth's environment and culture, emphasizing learning through experience.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to ask questions and actively explore the world around them, understanding that learning is an ongoing process.
Example Lesson: Adaptability
Explanation: As Rolo adjusts to life on Earth, he shows great adaptability in understanding human customs and adapting his behavior accordingly. This adaptability is crucial as he navigates new challenges and environments.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to be flexible and open to change, helping them adjust to new situations in school or other social settings.
Example Lesson: Friendship
Explanation: The friendships Rolo forms with the earthlings are central to the narrative. These relationships, based on mutual trust and adventure, showcase the enduring value of forming meaningful connections.
Real-World Application: This lesson highlights the importance of building and maintaining friendships, supporting peers, and collaborating in play or team activities.