Listen to My Trumpet!: (Elephant and Piggie)
Elephant & Piggie Series
on Goodreads (2)
What’s inside...
In 'Listen to My Trumpet!', Piggie is excited to show Elephant her new trumpet and her musical skills. However, the sound is not quite what Elephant was expecting. Through the story, the themes of friendship, honesty, and acceptance are explored as Elephant finds a kind way to support Piggie despite the cacophony.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
64 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think Piggie feels when playing the trumpet for Gerald?
How does Gerald react to Piggie's trumpet playing, and what does that tell us about friendship?
Why do you think it's important to be honest with friends, like Gerald was with Piggie?
What would you do if you were Piggie and someone didn't like something you were proud of?
How can we support our friends even when we need to give them tough feedback?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think about the emotions of both characters as they read. Ask them to consider their own reactions in similar situations, fostering empathy and understanding. Discuss the value of honesty and support in friendships, emphasizing these points with personal examples. Use the story as an opportunity to talk about personal talents and the feelings associated with sharing them. Highlight the importance of persistence and resilience, drawing parallels to Piggie's determination in the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of Honesty
Explanation: In 'Listen to My Trumpet!', Piggie attempts to play the trumpet but doesn't perform well. When Elephant listens, he faces the dilemma of being honest about Piggie's performance.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of giving constructive feedback and being honest with friends in a gentle way to avoid hurting their feelings.
Example Lesson: Appreciating Friends' Efforts
Explanation: Despite the noise, Elephant appreciates Piggie's effort in trying to play the trumpet and demonstrates supportive behavior.
Real-World Application: This shows children the importance of supporting friends' endeavors, regardless of the outcome, fostering a supportive and encouraging environment.
Example Lesson: Perseverance in Learning New Skills
Explanation: Piggie's persistence in playing the trumpet, despite the initial poor performance, highlights the value of perseverance.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to continue practicing and improving their skills, teaching them that mastery comes with patience and effort.
Example Lesson: The Joy of Sharing Interests
Explanation: Piggie is eager to share her new interest in trumpet playing with Elephant, showing the joy derived from sharing personal interests with friends.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to share their own hobbies and interests with friends, enriching friendships and expanding their social interactions.