Duck and Penguin Do Not Like Sleepovers
on Goodreads (71)
What’s inside...
This rib-tickling romp starring two hilarious stuffed animals is an excellent pick for discussing sleepovers with anxious little ones.
Duck and Penguin do not like sleepovers, despite what their owners, Betty and Maud, might have you think. They do not like snuggly sleeping bags, they do not like super-soft pillows, and they ESPECIALLY do NOT like being extra cozy together in a teeny-weeny tiny tent!
But when Betty and Maud abandon Duck and Penguin outside, Duck and Penguin have no choice but to stick together. The dark outside is full of strange noises, after all, and they have the oddest feeling that...something...is watching them.
From author-illustrator Julia Woolf, this picture book companion to Duck & Penguin Are NOT Friends is brightly illustrated and full of funny moments to share together.
Why read this book
- Highlights the value of friendship and understanding.
- Encourages expression of feelings and communication.
- Supports emotional development through storytelling.
- Engaging illustrations enhance reading enjoyment.
Age
4-8
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Duck
Betty
Maude
Penguin
Discussion points
Why do you think Duck and Penguin were not excited about the sleepover?
What are some things that Duck and Penguin could have done to feel more comfortable at the sleepover?
How do you feel when you try something new or go to new places?
What are some ways we can make sleepovers fun and comfortable for everyone?
What did Duck and Penguin learn by the end of the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about sleepovers or new experiences, relating them to Duck and Penguin’s experiences.
Discuss personal experiences with sleepovers, both positive and negative, to help your child connect with the story.
Ask your child to think of solutions for Duck and Penguin’s concerns, fostering problem-solving skills and empathy.
Point out expressions and actions of characters in the illustrations to discuss how Duck and Penguin might be feeling at different points in the story.
After reading, consider planning a small, comfortable sleepover experience that addresses some of the concerns discussed.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Respecting Personal Preferences
Explanation: The story showcases how Duck and Penguin do not enjoy sleepovers despite the excitement from other characters. This emphasizes the importance of recognizing and respecting individual likes and dislikes.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to understand and accept that their friends may have different preferences and that it’s okay to voice their own likes and dislikes in various situations.
Example Lesson: Importance of Communication
Explanation: Throughout the book, Duck and Penguin non-verbally communicate their discomfort about the sleepover. This highlights how individuals communicate their feelings in different ways.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to be more observant and responsive to non-verbal cues from others around them, helping them to develop empathy and better communication skills.
Example Lesson: Asserting Boundaries
Explanation: Duck and Penguin subtly try to indicate that they are not enjoying the sleepover. This teaches the importance of setting personal boundaries and respecting those set by others.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to identify their comfort zones in various social settings and feel empowered to express when something does not feel right to them.
Example Lesson: Understanding Friendship
Explanation: The story demonstrates that despite having different opinions and feelings about certain activities, friends can still care for and enjoy each other's company in other ways.
Real-World Application: This helps children understand that disagreements or different preferences don’t necessarily affect the overall bond of friendship and teaches them to value diversity in relationships.