Grasshopper Pie and Other Poems (Penguin Young Readers, Level 3)
Penguin Young Readers, Level 2 Series
What’s inside...
Meet upside-down Billy Ray Brown, the Tickle Monster, and a boy who makes grasshopper pie (with hilarious results!) in this wonderful celebration of what it means to be a kid.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
6-8
Length
48 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think grasshopper pie tastes like? Why do you think it's included in the title of the book?
Which poem was your favorite and what feelings did it bring out in you?
How do the illustrations complement the poems? Do they change how you imagine the scenes?
Can you think of a funny or interesting moment from the day that could be turned into a poem?
What did you learn from the poems, any new words or ideas? How would you explain them to a friend?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage creativity by asking your child to draw their favorite scene or character from the book.
Discuss the rhythm and rhyme of the poems, perhaps even creating a small rhyme together about daily activities to deepen their understanding and enjoyment.
Connect the themes or lessons from the poems to real-life situations or personal family stories to make the content more relatable.
Ask your child to imagine alternative endings to the poems or to come up with their own poem, fostering a sense of creativity and ownership of the ideas discussed.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The value of creativity
Explanation: Through imaginative and whimsical poems, 'Grasshopper Pie and Other Poems' encourages children to explore their creative side.
Real-World Application: Children can apply their creativity in everyday activities such as art projects, storytelling, or playtime, helping them express themselves and solve problems creatively.
Example Lesson: Importance of emotional expression
Explanation: The poems capture a range of emotions, teaching children that all feelings are valid and it's okay to express them.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand their emotions and share their feelings with others, leading to better emotional intelligence and interpersonal relationships.
Example Lesson: Appreciation of nature
Explanation: Various poems celebrate elements of nature, encouraging children to notice and value the natural world around them.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate and take care of their environment, promoting eco-friendly habits like recycling or planting trees.
Example Lesson: Joy of reading and language
Explanation: The playful use of rhyme and rhythm in the poems makes reading enjoyable and enhances linguistic skills.
Real-World Application: This can foster a lifelong love of reading and learning, aiding in vocabulary expansion and communication skills.