Class Pet Squad: Journey to the Center of Town
#1 in Class Pet Squad Series
on Goodreads (68)
What’s inside...
Every school needs a little help now and then, especially PS 1000. Sure, just like your school, PS 1000 has teachers, a principal, and a maintenance crew, who all keep everything running smoothly, but they don't do it alone! Who do you think makes sure everyone gets back on the bus after a class trip? Who doesn't let the scenery in the school play accidentally fall over? Who fights off a gang of rampaging squirrels trying to steal chocolate pudding cups from the cafeteria? The Class Pet Squad, that's who! And when a student leaves his beloved action figure behind in class, the CPS--a hamster, a turtle, a rabbit, and a lizard--have to find a way to get it back to him, even if it means crossing paths with a dog and, worse, a cat. Class Pet Squad is yet another fun, illustrated chapter book from Dan Yaccarino, the author of several children's books such as Zorgoochi Intergalactic Pizza: Delivery of Doom, Every Friday, Unlovable, and Doug Unplugged.
Discussion points
What do you think each member of the Class Pet Squad brings to their team? How do they work together to solve problems?
If you were on an adventure like the Class Pet Squad, what special skills would you use to help your friends?
What was your favorite part of the book and why? How did it make you feel?
How do the pets show bravery during their journey? Can you think of a time when you were brave like them?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story, focusing on the teamwork and adventures.
Relate the squad's experiences to your child’s everyday life, asking how they might handle similar situations with friends or at school.
Discuss the attributes of each pet, emphasizing the importance of diverse skills and teamwork in overcoming challenges.
After reading, engage in a creative activity, such as drawing a new adventure for the Class Pet Squad, to further immerse your child in the book’s themes.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Collaboration
Explanation: The Class Pet Squad navigates their journey by working together, showcasing different skills like problem-solving and leadership.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of cooperating with others to achieve common goals, which can be applied in group tasks or team sports at school.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: Throughout the book, the characters encounter various challenges that they must think critically and creatively to overcome.
Real-World Application: Equips children with the mindset to face obstacles in their real life, whether it's figuring out a math problem or resolving a disagreement with a friend.
Example Lesson: Courage and Bravery
Explanation: The pets venture out into unknown territories, demonstrating courage in the face of fear.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to step out of their comfort zones and try new activities or stand up for what they believe in.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Each member of the squad takes on responsibilities that contribute to the group's mission, illustrating the value of reliability and duty.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the significance of being dependable, like completing assigned chores or taking care of a pet.
Example Lesson: Importance of Humor
Explanation: Despite challenges, the squad maintains a light-hearted approach, emphasizing that humor can be a useful tool to navigate tough situations.
Real-World Application: Children learn to use humor as a coping mechanism to deal with stress or anxiety in their daily lives.