A Toot & Puddle: A Present for Toot
Toot & Puddle Series
on Goodreads (366)
What’s inside...
It's Toot's birthday, and Puddle wants to get him the best present ever! He goes to the Blue Ox Bookstore, but he can't find the right book. He visits a hardware store, a sports shop, and an appliance store, but nothing is quite special enough for his best friend. Puddle wonders if he will ever find the perfect gift in time for the party, but just as he is about to give up, Toot's present finds him. With a delightful mix of humor, warmth, and a classic style all her own, Holly Hobbie captures all the magic, fun, and joy that surrounds birthdays and celebrations. Best of all, this deluxe paperback edition comes with a greeting card that kids can punch-out, personalize, and send off to someone special.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Why do you think Puddle wanted to find the perfect gift for Toot?
How did Toot feel when he received the gift from Puddle?
Can you think of a time when you gave someone a special gift? How did that make you feel?
What does this story teach us about friendship and kindness?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before starting the book, ask your child what they think makes a good gift for a friend, setting the stage for the themes in the story.
While reading, emphasize the emotions of the characters by changing your tone of voice, this helps children to understand and connect with the characters' feelings.
After reading the book, encourage your child to draw a picture of a gift they would like to give to their best friend, discussing why they chose that particular gift.
Ask your child to relate the story to their own experiences by sharing a personal story of a time when they gave or received a special gift.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Value of friendship
Explanation: In 'A Present for Toot,' Puddle goes to great lengths to find the perfect gift for Toot, illustraing deep care and consideration for his friend's happiness.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to think about what makes their friends happy and show appreciation and thoughtfulness in their everyday interactions.
Example Lesson: Importance of thoughtfulness
Explanation: Puddle’s journey showcases the importance of putting thought into gifts, emphasizing that the sentiment behind a gift is more important than the material value.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply this lesson by making handmade gifts or carefully choosing gifts that align with their friends’ or family members' interests.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: Puddle encounters various challenges in his quest to find the perfect present but remains determined throughout his journey.
Real-World Application: This can teach children the value of persisting in the face of difficulties, whether they are working on a school project or learning a new skill.
Example Lesson: Joy in making others happy
Explanation: The happiness that Toot experiences from Puddle's gift demonstrates the joy that can come from making others happy.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to find happiness in the happiness of others, fostering empathy and selfless behavior in their personal and social relationships.