My Rhinoceros
on Goodreads (723)
What’s inside...
Watch Jon Agee win over a new flock of fans—the toddler set. If you should ever get a rhinoceros for a pet, you're in for a surprise. It won't chase a ball, stick, or frisbee. According to experts, a rhinoceros does only two things: pop balloons and poke holes in kites. However, as you'll discover in Jon Agee's hilarious picture book, rhinoceroses can do much more than just that!
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think makes the rhinoceros in the story special compared to other animals?
How would you feel if you had a pet like the rhinoceros, and what would you do together?
What do you think the rhinoceros learned about friendship by the end of the story?
If you could talk to the rhinoceros, what would you ask him?
How do the colorful illustrations make you feel as you read the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine having their unusual pet and discuss what fun activities they would do together, fostering creative thinking.
Use the questions to help your child relate personally to the rhinoceros, enhancing empathy and understanding of the character's experiences.
Discuss the book’s illustrations and ask what emotions they evoke, promoting an understanding of visual storytelling.
Revisit the story’s conclusion to discuss the moral of the story, reinforcing the theme of friendship and loyalty.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Uniqueness
Explanation: In 'My Rhinoceros,' the protagonist discovers that his rhinoceros doesn't do typical pet activities, highlighting the uniqueness of every individual.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate and embrace the unique traits and abilities of themselves and others, fostering acceptance and diversity.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Problem Solving
Explanation: The story shows the child using creative ways to engage with his rhinoceros, teaching that thinking outside the box can lead to enjoyable and effective solutions.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to approach challenges with creativity and openness, applying innovative thinking to obstacles in school and play.
Example Lesson: Responsibility of Pet Ownership
Explanation: The book examines the responsibilities that come with caring for a pet, no matter how unusual it is, echoing the need for commitment in taking care of others.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the importance of regular care, attention, and dedication, preparing them for future responsibilities in caring for pets or helping others.
Example Lesson: Patience and Persistence
Explanation: The main character learns patience and persistence as he figures out what activities his rhinoceros enjoys, despite initial disappointments.
Real-World Application: Instills virtues of patience and perseverance when facing less-than-ideal or slow-to-resolve situations in everyday life, from school projects to personal relationships.
Example Lesson: Value of Friendship
Explanation: Throughout 'My Rhinoceros', the bond between the child and his pet grows stronger, illustrating how friendships can develop in unexpected ways.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to be open to forming friendships in various settings and situations, highlighting that friendships can grow with individuals who might not initially seem relatable.