A Piece of Cake
What’s inside...
Reminiscent of the best of Peter Brown with the charming retro feel of classic Golden Books, A Piece of Cake is a delightful story about generosity, creativity, and improvisation from bestselling illustrator LeUyen Pham. Mouse has baked a special treat for Little Bird's birthday! But delivering it to his friend isn't easy—not when everyone he meets along the way offers to trade something for a piece of cake. In A Piece of Cake, LeUyen Pham puts a unique spin on a classic tale. Kids will love the unexpected and hilarious turn the story takes. Its strong picture support; story elements, including setting, character, and plot development; and identification of a problem and solution make this a strong Common Core title. Supports the Common Core State Standards. Excellent Book.
Age
4-8
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Cupcake Brown
Discussion points
What did you think about the way Mouse tried to solve the problem with the cake?
How do you think each animal felt when they traded pieces of the cake?
Why do you think it's important to share with friends?
What would you have done differently if you were Mouse?
How can we apply Mouse's lesson in our daily life?
Tip: Role play these questions
Keep the conversation light and playful to sustain your child's interest. Use expressive facial gestures and tones as you discuss the characters' feelings and actions, which can help your child better understand emotional expressions. Relate the situations in the book to real-life scenarios in your child's experience, making the discussion more relatable and meaningful. Encourage your child to think critically by asking how they would react in similar situations. Finish by emphasizing the moral of the story to reinforce positive behavior and values.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of Sharing
Explanation: Through the story, characters learn the value of sharing their belongings with others, leading to positive outcomes and stronger friendships.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by sharing toys or snacks with classmates, fostering a sense of community and cooperation.
Example Lesson: Consequences of Greed
Explanation: The narrative shows how being greedy and not considering others' feelings can lead to isolation and unhappiness.
Real-World Application: Kids can remember this lesson when they feel the urge to keep things to themselves, understanding that generosity leads to happier relationships.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: Characters in the book face challenges that they overcome by thinking creatively and working together.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to use problem-solving skills in situations like conflicts with friends or challenges in schoolwork.
Example Lesson: Importance of Apologizing
Explanation: When mistakes are made, characters learn the importance of apologizing sincerely to mend relationships.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to take responsibility for their actions and apologize when necessary, which is crucial for emotional development and social harmony.