Little Pink Pup
on Goodreads (663)
What’s inside...
Little Pink Pup is the runt of the pig litter, too small to compete with his siblings for food. When a dachshund named Tink takes him in as one of her own puppies, Pink learns what it means to be part of a family. This heartwarming story is based on real events. Pink was the runt of the pig litter. He was so small that the Kerby family didn't think he would survive—so they brought him into the house where he met Tink, a new dachshund mom. When Tink saw Pink, she immediately adopted him into her family, and helped nurse him back to health. Pink thrived in his new family: the puppies didn't mind that Pink looked nothing like them—he was just their size.
Discussion points
How do you think Pink felt being the smallest piglet and growing up with the dachshunds?
What are some ways the other animals in the book show kindness to Pink?
How do you think the story would change if Pink was the same size as the other piglets?
What does this story teach us about family and acceptance?
Can you think of a time when you felt different like Pink? How did you handle it?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use a warm and curious tone when asking questions to create a safe space for your child to explore their feelings and thoughts.
Relate the themes of the book to your child’s personal experiences to deepen their understanding and empathy.
Highlight the actions of various characters and ask your child what they might do in similar situations to encourage critical thinking.
After reading, encourage your child to draw a scene from the book where Pink felt loved and accepted, reinforcing the themes of family and belonging.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Acceptance and Inclusion
Explanation: The story of 'Little Pink Pup' revolves around Pink, a piglet adopted by a family of dachshunds. This situation provides a clear analogy for acceptance, showcasing how differences can be embraced.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to welcome and accept peers who might seem different from them, fostering an inclusive environment at school and in playgroups.
Example Lesson: Family Beyond Biology
Explanation: Despite not being a dachshund, Pink is loved and cared for like the other puppies. This emphasizes that family is not solely defined by biological ties but by love and care.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand and embrace various family structures, including adoptive families, stepfamilies, and more, reinforcing the idea of emotional bonds over biological links.
Example Lesson: Resilience and Adaptation
Explanation: Pink, being different from his siblings, faces and overcomes various challenges. His journey is a beautiful depiction of resilience and adaptation.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of adapting to new environments or changes in life, using Pink’s story as motivation to overcome personal challenges.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Kindness
Explanation: The dachshund mother's immediate acceptance and love towards Pink serve as a lesson in empathy and kindness, qualities that are pivotal in the story.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to act kindly and empathetically towards others, understanding and sharing the feelings of those different from themselves.
Example Lesson: Understanding Identity
Explanation: As Pink grows up with his dachshund siblings, he navigates his unique identity which is different yet special. This subplot can spark discussions about personal and cultural identity among young readers.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to explore and embrace their own identities, understanding that being different is valuable and defining.