Badger's Bath: A Percy the Park Keeper Story
Tales from Percy’s Park Series
on Goodreads (2)
What’s inside...
In 'Badger's Bath,' Percy the Park Keeper helps his friend Badger get cleaned up after a day of digging leaves him exceptionally muddy. The story humorously explores the challenges they face in getting Badger clean, showcasing their adventures along the way. This tale by acclaimed author and illustrator Nick Butterworth is a part of the beloved series featuring Percy, who has brought joy to readers for over three decades. Note: This ebook is optimized for Kindle tablets and the Kindle App and is not suitable for e-Ink Kindle devices like the PaperWhite.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-6
Length
24 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Why do you think Badger didn't want to take a bath? How did he feel about it by the end of the story?
What are some ways Percy and the other animals helped Badger feel comfortable about bathing?
If you were one of the animals, how would you have helped Badger?
What do you think is the most important lesson from this story?
How do you feel when you try something new? Does it remind you of how Badger felt?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to put themselves in Badger’s shoes, asking how they might feel in a similar situation and how they would like to be helped.
Discuss the importance of friendship and teamwork, like how Percy and the other animals work together to help Badger.
Use expressive reading to enhance the emotional impact of the story, altering your voice for different characters to keep your child engaged.
After reading, ask your child to draw a scene from the book where the animals help Badger, discussing the emotions and actions depicted in their drawing.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Helpfulness
Explanation: In 'Badger's Bath,' the character Percy helps Badger by giving him a bath when he is dirty. This act of kindness and support underlines the value of being helpful to others.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by assisting peers and family members in simple ways, such as helping to clean up a mess or sharing toys with friends.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: The story showcases various animals working together to help Badger get clean, emphasizing that teamwork can make difficult tasks easier and more enjoyable.
Real-World Application: This can be reflected in a child’s everyday life through collaborative group activities in school or joining efforts with siblings at home to complete household chores.
Example Lesson: Hygiene
Explanation: Through the narrative of giving Badger a bath, the book highlights the importance of cleanliness and personal hygiene.
Real-World Application: Children can relate this lesson to their own routines by understanding the importance of regular bathing and washing hands to stay healthy.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: Percy the Park Keeper shows empathy by recognizing that Badger is uncomfortable because he is dirty and needs help. This teaches the value of understanding and responding to the feelings and needs of others.
Real-World Application: Kids can practice empathy by noticing when someone else is upset or needs help and offering their support or comfort.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: The book demonstrates problem-solving skills when Percy and his friends figure out how to effectively help Badger get cleaned up.
Real-World Application: This lesson can encourage children to think of creative solutions when they face obstacles, both at home and in school settings.