Pa's Balloon and Other Pig Tales
not part of a series
on Goodreads (19)
What’s inside...
A pig family take their new balloon for a ride, race it, and eventually fly it over the North Pole.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-9
Length
96 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think Pa felt when his balloon flew away, and why?
How do the other pigs help Pa with his balloon, and what does that teach us about friendship?
Can you imagine a different ending for the story? What would it be?
What was the most surprising part of the tale for you, and why?
How would you feel if you were in Pa's situation with the balloon?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story. Use follow-up questions to delve deeper into their responses. Relate the book's themes to real-life situations your child might encounter to make the discussion more relevant. Praise their insights and ideas to build their confidence in expressing themselves.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: In 'Pa's Balloon,' despite facing numerous challenges, Pa Pig tirelessly endeavors to secure the balloon for his children. His determination illustrates the importance of perseverance.
Real-World Application: Children learn to keep trying and not give up when they encounter obstacles, whether in their studies, sports, or other activities.
Example Lesson: Problem-Solving
Explanation: Throughout the stories, the Pig family encounters various problems that require creative solutions. Their inventive approaches demonstrate effective problem-solving skills.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply this skill by thinking of various ways to tackle challenges they face at school or home, enhancing their critical thinking abilities.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: The Pig family often works together to solve issues, highlighting the power of collaboration and support among family members.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of cooperating with others to achieve common goals, whether in group projects, team sports, or family tasks.
Example Lesson: Respect for Nature
Explanation: The stories show the Pig family navigating and interacting with their environment, emphasizing a respectful and considerate attitude towards nature.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to be conscious of their environment, promoting activities like recycling, conserving water, or treating animals with kindness.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Exploration
Explanation: The curious nature of the pigs leads them to explore their surroundings, sparking wonder and discovery.
Real-World Application: Stimulates a child’s curiosity about the world, urging them to learn, ask questions, and discover new things about their surroundings and beyond.