The Christmas Pig
on Goodreads (38,351)
What’s inside...
A heartwarming, page-turning adventure about one child's love for his most treasured thing, and how far he will go to find it. A tale for the whole family to fall in love with, from one of the world’s greatest storytellers. One boy and his toy are about to change everything. Jack loves his childhood toy, Dur Pig. DP has always been there for him, through good and bad. Until one Christmas Eve something terrible happens — DP is lost. But Christmas Eve is a night for miracles and lost causes, a night when all things can come to life... even toys. And Jack’s newest toy — the Christmas Pig (DP’s replacement) — has a daring plan: Together they’ll embark on a magical journey to seek something lost, and to save the best friend Jack has ever known.
Discussion points
How did Jack's journey with the Christmas Pig change his feelings about loss and hope?
What lessons can we learn about friendship and loyalty from DP and Jack's interactions?
What does this story teach us about the importance of perseverance in the face of challenges?
How do the different characters in the story help Jack realize his goals? Which character did you find most inspiring and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the characters' emotions and experiences, relating them to their own life.
Discuss the different adventures that Jack and the Christmas Pig faced and ask your child to imagine alternative solutions for the challenges.
Prompt your child to think about the concept of loyalty and trust through characters’ actions and behaviors.
Ask your child to draw their favorite scene or character from the book to deepen their connection with the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of perseverance
Explanation: In 'The Christmas Pig,' the protagonist Jack shows perseverance in his quest to recover his beloved toy, DP. His journey through the magical world reflects his determination and grit.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to continue striving towards their goals, despite challenges and setbacks, mirroring Jack's persistence.
Example Lesson: Value of loyalty and friendship
Explanation: Jack's unwavering loyalty to his lost toy demonstrates the deep bonds of friendship. This theme is accentuated through his interactions with different characters who help him on his quest.
Real-World Application: Kids can be encouraged to maintain and value their friendships, understanding the importance of support and loyalty among peers.
Example Lesson: Embracing change and letting go
Explanation: Through his adventure, Jack learns to accept change and understand the significance of moving forward, even when it means letting go of cherished possessions.
Real-World Application: This lesson aids children in coping with transitions and changes in their lives, teaching them resilience and adaptability.
Example Lesson: Understanding right from wrong
Explanation: The journey introduces Jack to various moral dilemmas, guiding him to discern right from wrong through the consequences faced by characters in the story.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to develop their moral compass, helping them make ethical decisions in real-life situations.
Example Lesson: Empathy and kindness
Explanation: Jack's interactions often revolve around understanding and helping others in the Land of the Lost, fostering a sense of empathy and kindness.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be empathetic towards others' feelings and situations, promoting compassionate behavior in their daily interactions.