Books Make Good Pets
What’s inside...
An uplifting and funny celebration of the magic of books by John Agard, winner of the Queens Gold Medal for Poetry. Books make good pets as they don't require the maintenance of a traditional pet and can transport you to new worlds. Just by turning the pages, they can take you on adventures across pirate ships, under the sea with mermaids, or napping with dragons. Illustrated by Momoko Abe, this book offers a visual and lyrical experience that stimulates the imagination and is a perfect gift for book lovers.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
0-5
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think books are similar to pets, as suggested by the title 'Books Make Good Pets'?
What are some ways you can take care of your books just like you would take care of a pet?
Can you think of a story or book that you would love to 'pet' and visit often? Why that one?
What feelings do you experience when you spend time with a good book?
Imagine if your favorite book could talk, what do you think it would say to you?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing your own favorite book and why it feels special, encouraging your child to do the same.
Emphasize the sensory aspects of books, such as the smell of the pages or the feel of the cover, to draw parallels with petting an animal.
Ask open-ended questions that require more than a yes or no answer to encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about reading.
Validate their feelings about books, whether they feel excited, comforted, or curious, to reinforce a positive reading experience.
Use examples from the book to discuss the importance of care and responsibility, whether it’s for books or pets.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The joy of reading
Explanation: The book humorously presents books as pets that never need feeding but constantly feed the mind, emphasizing the pleasure and endless adventures that reading offers.
Real-World Application: Children will be encouraged to explore books of various genres, fostering a lasting love for reading and learning.
Example Lesson: Responsibility and care
Explanation: Caring for a book-pet, as depicted in the story, involves handling books with care, thereby teaching children the importance of taking responsibility for their belongings.
Real-World Application: This lesson translates to children taking better care of their personal items and understanding the value of keeping them in good condition.
Example Lesson: Imagination and creativity
Explanation: The book showcases how each book-pet can transport a child to different worlds, effectively highlighting the power of imagination through reading.
Real-World Application: Children learn to use their creativity to solve problems and express themselves in various aspects of daily life.
Example Lesson: Respect for literature
Explanation: By personifying books as pets, the story instills a sense of respect for books and literature, demonstrating their value and contribution to personal growth.
Real-World Application: Children are likely to develop a respectful attitude towards educational resources and value the knowledge they impart.