One Hot Penguin
What’s inside...
When a young boy called Phelan Whelan is taken to the zoo by his mum on a hot summer's day, the last thing he expects is for a small hot penguin to stow away in his rucksack. Phelan soon realizes that Whistler the penguin can't live in his house, and together they plan to find a new home for him. Preferably an island somewhere near the South Pole.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-9
Length
112 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the penguin felt when it was so hot? Can you relate to that feeling?
Why do you think the penguin wanted to cool down? What are some ways you like to cool down when it's hot?
What are some differences and similarities between where the penguin lives and where we live?
How do you think the story would change if it was set in a cold place instead of a hot one?
What are some other ways the penguin could have solved its problem?
Tip: Role play these questions
Utilize open-ended questions to foster a deeper understanding and personal connection to the penguin's experiences.
Encourage your child to imagine alternative scenarios or endings to enhance creative thinking.
Connect the story to real-life situations or personal experiences to make the themes more relatable.
Ask your child how they might feel in a similar situation to develop empathy and emotional awareness.
Discuss the importance of problem solving and brainstorming together different solutions to challenges.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding the value of patience
Explanation: In 'One Hot Penguin,' the protagonist penguin learns to patiently wait for cooler weather instead of getting upset over the unchangeable heat.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to accept situations that cannot be immediately changed, such as waiting their turn or dealing with minor disappointments.
Example Lesson: Adaptability to change
Explanation: The penguin creatively finds ways to cope with the heat, demonstrating adaptability to changing environments.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to adapt to new situations such as moving to a new school or making new friends.
Example Lesson: Empathy and kindness
Explanation: Throughout the story, other characters help the penguin feel comfortable, showcasing acts of kindness.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of supporting others in difficult times, fostering a sense of community and empathy.
Example Lesson: Self-expression and self-advocacy
Explanation: The penguin expresses its discomfort about the heat, which ultimately leads to receiving help from others.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to communicate their needs and feelings effectively, teaching them that speaking up is beneficial.
Example Lesson: Creativity in problem-solving
Explanation: The penguin uses creative solutions to deal with the heat, like imagining colder places and finding shade.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to think creatively when facing their own challenges, be it in play or homework.