Pearl and Wagner: One Funny Day
#2 in Pearl and Wagner Series
on Goodreads (243)
What’s inside...
Wagner is having a bad day as he oversleeps and arrives late to school, only to find his best friend Pearl, his teacher, and the school librarian acting very strangely. It turns out to be April Fools' Day, and Wagner has been the target of pranks by everyone around him. Tired of being fooled, Wagner is determined to turn the tables and have the last laugh. This easy-to-read book from the Theodor Seuss Geisel Honor-winning Pearl and Wagner series promises plenty of giggles for young readers.
Discussion points
Why do you think Wagner played tricks on Pearl, and how do you think Pearl felt about them?
What would you do if you were Pearl? Would you play a trick back on Wagner or react differently?
How did the characters' feelings change throughout the story and what events led to those changes?
Can you think of a funny trick that you would like to play on someone? What makes it funny?
Why is it important to make sure that the pranks or tricks we play are always kind and not hurtful?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive voices for each character to bring the story to life and make the reading experience more engaging.
Discuss personal experiences related to the themes, such as a time when your child played a trick or a joke on someone or vice versa, to make connections between the book and real life.
Encourage empathy by asking how your child would feel in Pearl's situation, promoting understanding of the characters' emotions.
After reading, consider creating your own little 'funny day' with your child, devising harmless pranks or jokes that you can play on other family members together, emphasizing the importance of keeping it fun and kind-hearted.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The value of friendship
Explanation: Pearl and Wagner show us the importance of friendship through their humorous adventures and mutual support on April Fool’s Day.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate and nurture their relationships with friends, understanding that good friends support and have fun with each other.
Example Lesson: Understanding emotions
Explanation: The book delves into various emotions when characters play pranks on each other, helping children see how actions affect feelings.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply this understanding by recognizing their own emotions and the emotions of others, fostering empathy and emotional intelligence.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: Throughout the book, Pearl and Wagner face humorous challenges which they must solve, showcasing effective problem-solving.
Real-World Application: Children learn to think critically and find creative solutions to everyday challenges they face.
Example Lesson: Consequences of actions
Explanation: The playful pranks lead to various outcomes, illustrating that actions have consequences.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to consider the results of their actions on themselves and others, promoting responsible behavior.
Example Lesson: Sense of humor
Explanation: The lighthearted pranks and joyful storyline highlight the importance of humor in life.
Real-World Application: Children understand that a good sense of humor can bring joy to themselves and others, helping them to better navigate social interactions and build positive relationships.