PESTS
on Goodreads (24)
What’s inside...
'Riotously funny, with enough expressive drawings and poo jokes to delight Pig fans as well as new readers' - The GuardianWhen the lights go off, the PESTS come out! Meet Stix, the tiny but heroic mouse who might be living behind your washing machine. But is he naughty enough to...
Why read this book
- Engaging adventure captivates and stimulates young minds.
- Highlights resilience and teamwork through relatable pests.
- Encourages creative problem-solving in everyday scenarios.
- Supports literacy development with easy-to-follow narrative.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-10
Text complexity
Discussion points
Why do you think the PESTS behave the way they do? What could be their reasons?
What do you think about the 'Eye in the sky'? How would you feel if someone was always watching over you?
How do the PESTS and the PROTECTORS differ in their approach to solving problems? Which approach do you prefer and why?
Can you think of a time when you felt misunderstood like the PESTS? How did you handle the situation?
If you were a character in the story, what ideas would you suggest to create peace between the PESTS and the humans?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by talking about the characters and their behaviors, prompting your child to think about underlying motivations.
Discuss the themes of surveillance and privacy with your child, relating them to their own experiences with privacy at home or school.
Encourage your child to think critically about conflict resolution by comparing the approaches of PESTS and PROTECTORS in the story.
Relate the story's themes to real-life moments where your child felt misunderstood, promoting empathy and understanding.
Stimulate creative thinking by asking your child how they would resolve conflicts if they were characters in the book.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Cooperation
Explanation: In 'PESTS', the protagonist, Stix, a tiny mouse, learns the importance of working together with others to achieve common goals. Through various challenges, Stix and his friends tackle obstacles better as a group rather than individually.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by engaging in group activities at school or with friends, learning that cooperation can lead to successful outcomes and stronger relationships.
Example Lesson: Problem-Solving Skills
Explanation: Throughout the book, Stix encounters multiple problems that require quick thinking and creative solutions. These scenarios highlight the importance of using one's intellect and resources to navigate difficult situations.
Real-World Application: Kids are encouraged to think critically when faced with challenges, whether in academic tasks or in everyday dilemmas, fostering a mindset geared towards effective problem-solving.
Example Lesson: Resilience and Perseverance
Explanation: Despite numerous setbacks, Stix remains determined and does not give up. His resilience in the face of adversity is a central theme throughout the story.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of persistence even when faced with difficulties, instilling the lesson that perseverance can lead to success and personal growth.
Example Lesson: Understanding and Compassion
Explanation: As Stix interacts with various other characters, sometimes with conflicting interests, he learns the importance of empathy and understanding different perspectives.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children develop the ability to empathize with others in their own lives, improving their social interactions and emotional intelligence.
Example Lesson: Adaptability
Explanation: Stix's journey also shows how he adapts to unexpected changes and new environments, demonstrating flexibility.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of being adaptable, which can help them navigate the ever-changing scenarios of daily life more smoothly.