Panda at the Door
Panda Series
What’s inside...
Panda at the Door is a modern-day family adventure by Sarah Horne that combines the charm of Paddington Bear and Mary Poppins. The story revolves around Pudding the Panda, who lives at Edinburgh Zoo and dreams of having a family to take care of. Meanwhile, a young boy named Callum is struggling with family issues and receives Pudding as an 'adopted' panda for his ninth birthday. Fate brings them together, leading to a series of exciting and heartwarming events. The book explores themes of childhood anxiety, family break-up, bullying, friendship, and love, all complemented by lively illustrations from the author.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-9
Length
175 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Pudding the Panda felt when he arrived in a new city? What would you do if you were in his place?
Why do you think the Wilks family decided to help Pudding? What would you do if you found a panda at your door?
How do you think Pudding changed the lives of the people around him? Can you think of a time when a new friend changed things for you?
What does the story teach us about helping others and making new friends? Can you think of ways you can help someone new in your school or neighborhood?
If you could ask Pudding the Panda one question, what would it be? Why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive voice tones to mirror characters' emotions when discussing the story, helping your child connect more deeply with the characters.
Encourage your child to draw parallels between their experiences and those of Pudding, fostering a more personal connection to the story.
Discuss the importance of empathy and kindness, using situations in the book as relatable examples.
Allow your child to express what they might do differently if they were in the same situation as any of the characters, promoting critical thinking and decision-making skills.
Highlight the cultural aspects presented in the book, discussing any new words or practices Pudding experiences to broaden your child’s understanding of diverse backgrounds.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: The story showcases how the character Pudding the Panda helps residents understand each other’s feelings and perspectives better.
Real-World Application: Children learn to recognize and respond to the emotions of others, fostering stronger friendships and family connections.
Example Lesson: Importance of Helping Others
Explanation: Pudding the Panda actively participates in helping the community solve their problems, demonstrating the value of lending a hand.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to be proactive in assisting peers and adults in their community, promoting a collaborative spirit.
Example Lesson: Adaptability to Change
Explanation: The arrival of the Panda brings unexpected changes to the lives of the apartment residents, teaching them to adapt and embrace new experiences.
Real-World Application: Prepares children to face changes in their lives confidently, understanding that adaptability is key to overcoming challenges.
Example Lesson: Cultural Awareness
Explanation: Through the interactions with Pudding who is from China, children in the story learn about cultural diversity and acceptance.
Real-World Application: Helps children appreciate diverse cultures in their own communities, enhancing social inclusion and respect for others.