A Puppy's First Christmas
#32 of 70 in Holly Webb'S Animal Stories Series
What’s inside...
Aria is excited to celebrate her puppy’s first Christmas – they’ll make snowmen and eat lots of food, and she’s even bought him a special present with her pocket money! But when Aria’s family come to stay, Jackson becomes over-excited and scares Aria’s younger cousin. On Christmas morning things only seem to get worse. Jackson is shut out of the living room while gifts are being opened, Aria can’t find his present and then the puppy eats Grandma’s fluffy winter boots! With her parents refusing to take her side, will Aria and Jackson get their perfect Christmas after all?
Discussion points
How do you think the puppy feels about its first Christmas and why?
What are some ways the family helps the puppy enjoy the holiday?
Can you think of a time when you tried something new like the puppy? How did you feel?
Why is it important to be kind and patient with pets, especially during busy times like Christmas?
What would you do to make a new pet feel welcome during a holiday?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate the story to their own experiences with holidays or new situations.
Ask your child to imagine what they would do if they were a character in the book.
Discuss the emotions displayed in the book and relate them to real-life feelings during similar events.
Use the illustrations in the book to spark conversations about the decorations, activities, and feelings associated with Christmas.
After reading, consider having your child draw a picture of their favorite scene, explaining why they chose it.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Compassion
Explanation: The story demonstrates empathy through the main character's nurturing of a lost puppy during the holiday season.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to understand and share the feelings of others, helping them foster compassion in interactions with both animals and people.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Caring for the puppy teaches the characters about the responsibility involved in looking after another living being.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply this lesson by taking on small responsibilities at home, like feeding a pet or helping with household chores.
Example Lesson: The joy of giving
Explanation: The book highlights the happiness derived from giving and sharing with others, especially during Christmas.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to share toys and spend quality time with family and friends, embracing the spirit of giving.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: The characters encounter and solve various challenges associated with caring for a puppy.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to develop critical thinking skills and resilience in facing their own everyday challenges.
Example Lesson: The importance of family
Explanation: The story emphasizes spending time with family and the warmth it brings during the holidays.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to appreciate and cherish moments with their families, fostering strong family bonds.