Cornbread & Poppy
Cornbread & Poppy Series
What’s inside...
Caldecott medalist Matthew Cordell introduces an early reader series about two best friends, Cornbread and Poppy, who have contrasting personalities. Cornbread loves planning and preparing, while Poppy does not. When Poppy finds herself unprepared for winter, Cornbread steps in to help. Their adventure takes them up Holler Mountain, where they might make new and old friends. The story celebrates the value of individuality and partnership, with humor and heart. This book is available in both hardcover and paperback and has received recognition as an IndieBound Bestseller, an Amazon Best Book of the Year, and a 2022 Kirkus Best Children's Book.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-7
Length
80 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Cornbread felt when he realized he didn't have enough food for winter? Can you share a time when you felt unprepared?
What did Poppy do to help Cornbread? How important do you think it is to help friends in need?
How did the adventure change the relationship between Cornbread and Poppy?
What would you have done if you were in Cornbread's shoes? Would you have asked for help right away or tried to solve it by yourself first?
How do you think planning ahead helps in real life, just like Cornbread learned in the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading: Change your tone and pace when reading to mirror the emotions and actions in the story. This helps your child understand the emotional undertones.
Link experiences: Relate the themes or situations in the book to real-life scenarios your child might encounter, which enhances understanding and retention.
Encourage empathy: Ask your child how they would feel in Cornbread’s or Poppy’s place. This fosters empathy and critical thinking about the characters' decisions.
Focus on lessons learned: Discuss the takeaways from Cornbread and Poppy’s adventure, emphasizing the importance of planning and friendship.
Ask reflective questions: Encourage your child to think ahead about what they might have done differently and why, promoting problem-solving skills.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of Friendship
Explanation: Cornbread and Poppy showcase the power of friendship as they overcome challenges together.
Real-World Application: Children learn to value cooperation and camaraderie, which are essential in building healthy relationships at school and in their community.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: Throughout their adventure, the characters confront and solve various problems, demonstrating critical thinking and resourcefulness.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to approach obstacles in their lives with creativity and resilience, skills vital for personal and academic success.
Example Lesson: Preparation and Planning
Explanation: Poppy learns the importance of planning ahead from Cornbread, who is well-prepared for their journey.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the benefits of being prepared, which can be applied to their studies, such as doing homework on time or preparing for school projects.
Example Lesson: Embracing Differences
Explanation: Cornbread and Poppy have different personalities and strengths, yet their differences complement each other, making their friendship stronger.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate and embrace diverse traits and abilities in others, promoting inclusivity and empathy in their social interactions.