The Smug Pug
Animal Stories Series
on Goodreads (24)
What’s inside...
The third book in the Pooch Parlour series follows the adventures of Smug the pug and his owner Tallulah Foghorn in Crumbly-under-Edge. While Pippa Peppercorn is charmed by the new duo, Dash the dachshund remains skeptical, finding Smug arrogant and Tallulah eccentric.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-9
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the Pug felt when everyone called him smug, and why?
What are some ways the Pug could make friends with other animals?
Can you think of a time when you felt misunderstood like the Pug? How did you handle it?
What lesson did the Pug learn by the end of the story, and how can you apply this lesson in your own life?
Tip: Role play these questions
Begin the conversation by summarizing what happened to the Pug and discuss the key emotions and events. Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings by relating to their personal experiences. Validate their feelings and provide comfort, showing them it's okay to feel a certain way. Ask follow-up questions based on their responses to dig deeper into the themes of friendship and self-awareness the book presents.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The value of friendship
Explanation: In 'The Smug Pug', the pug learns the importance of making and maintaining friendships through interactions with other characters.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by understanding the importance of being a good friend and valuing the friendships they have in school or in their neighborhood.
Example Lesson: Learning from mistakes
Explanation: The protagonist, the pug, makes several mistakes in the story but learns from them, showing growth and understanding.
Real-World Application: This teaches children that everyone makes mistakes, but it's important to learn from them and not repeat them.
Example Lesson: The consequences of pride
Explanation: The pug's smug attitude initially leads to negative consequences, demonstrating how excessive pride can be detrimental.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of humility and the importance of not thinking too highly of oneself at the expense of others.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: As the story progresses, the pug begins to understand the feelings of others better, illustrating the development of empathy.
Real-World Application: This can help children to be more empathetic towards their peers, understanding different perspectives and feelings.
Example Lesson: Perseverance in the face of challenges
Explanation: Despite facing challenges, the pug perseveres and overcomes obstacles, showcasing resilience.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to not give up easily and keep trying in the face of difficulties, whether it's at home, school, or in other activities.