Little Life Cycles: Pip
#1 in Life cycles Series
on Goodreads (11)
What’s inside...
Pip is a tiny seed. In this book, learn how he will turn into a tree - and how that tree will make a new Pip. This beautifully illustrated board book for the very young explores the life cycle of a tree. Watch Pip grow from a tiny seed to a mighty tree! A die-cut right through to the last page of the book highlights that nature is full of changes, but that the story begins and ends with a tiny seed.
Character compass
Pip
Discussion points
What do you think Pip learned about life cycles in the story?
How do you feel about the changes Pip went through? Can you relate it to something you’ve experienced?
Why do you think understanding life cycles is important?
If you were Pip, what would you do differently in your adventure?
What was your favorite part of Pip’s journey and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading: Vary your tone and pace to keep the story of Pip engaging and lively.
Relate to real life: Connect the themes of life cycles from the book to real-life examples in nature that your child might have seen, like a caterpillar turning into a butterfly.
Ask reflective questions: After each chapter, pause and ask your child how they feel about the events that occurred. This will help them connect emotionally and personally with Pip’s experiences.
Predict together: Before turning the page, ask your child what they think might happen next. This keeps them thinking ahead and engaged with the storyline.
Draw connections: Relate the different stages of Pip’s life cycles to those of a human, discussing the similarities and differences.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding life cycles
Explanation: Through the journey of Pip, the caterpillar, children learn about the stages of a butterfly's life cycle, from egg to butterfly.
Real-World Application: Kids can observe insects in nature or at home, enhancing their understanding of growth and transformation in the living world.
Example Lesson: Patience and perseverance
Explanation: Pip's transformation requires time and patience, teaching children that growth and change are gradual.
Real-World Application: This can help children develop patience with their own growth and learning processes, understanding that not everything happens immediately.
Example Lesson: Appreciation for nature
Explanation: The story encourages curiosity about the natural world, showcasing the beauty and intricacy of life cycles in nature.
Real-World Application: Children may become more interested in exploring the outdoors, engaging with environmental activities, and respecting wildlife.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of challenges
Explanation: Pip faces various challenges through its stages of growth but overcomes them, demonstrating resilience.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to face their own challenges with courage and understand that overcoming obstacles is part of life.
Example Lesson: Transformation and new beginnings
Explanation: As Pip turns into a butterfly, the theme of transformation symbolizes new beginnings and possibilities.
Real-World Application: Children learn that change can lead to new opportunities and that they can embrace new phases in life with optimism.