DFC Library: Vern and Lettuce
The DFC Library Series
What’s inside...
Welcome to Pickle Rye, home of best friends Lettuce the rabbit and Vern the sheep. Join them for baking, birthdays, bunny-sitting and a quest for fame in the big city! Vern and Lettuce reach for the stars, but danger is lurking just beneath their feet...Furry escapades from the DFC Library -- now in a convenient paperback format!
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
8-12
Length
48 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Vern
Lettuce
Discussion points
What do you think Vern and Lettuce learned about friendship throughout their adventures?
How did Vern handle challenges and what can we learn from it?
Why is it important for Lettuce to have different friends, and what does that teach us about diversity?
Can you think of a time when you helped a friend like Vern and Lettuce help each other?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressions and voice changes to bring the characters to life during the reading, making the discussion more engaging.
Refer to specific events in the book to guide your child in connecting personal experiences with the story.
Encourage your child to imagine alternative endings or adventures for Vern and Lettuce, enhancing their creative thinking.
Discuss the illustrations with your child, asking what they notice and how it adds to the story, fostering observational skills.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Friendship and Cooperation
Explanation: Vern and Lettuce showcases the adventures of a sheep and a rabbit who, despite their differences, work together to solve problems. Their teamwork highlights the importance of cooperation and understanding.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by working collaboratively with their peers in school projects or during play, learning to appreciate diverse perspectives and strengths.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Throughout the story, Vern and Lettuce take care of each other and their community. This sense of duty is a recurrent theme that teaches children the significance of being responsible for others around them.
Real-World Application: Kids can practice this lesson by engaging in household chores, taking care of pets, or looking out for younger siblings, fostering a sense of accountability and duty.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: The characters frequently encounter challenges that they need to overcome. The story illustrates various problem-solving methods, teaching children that there are multiple approaches to resolving an issue.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to think critically and creatively when faced with obstacles, whether in academics, personal projects, or interpersonal conflicts.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: Vern and Lettuce often show kindness and understanding towards each other's feelings, even when they face disagreements. This portrayal helps children understand the importance of empathy in relationships.
Real-World Application: Children learn to recognize and consider the feelings and perspectives of others, which is crucial in developing strong, empathetic relationships with friends and family.