Peg Gets Crackin'
on Goodreads (124)
What’s inside...
Peg the Egg is safe within her shell, and does not want to hatch--but sooner or later all little chicks must face the world. Time to get crackin'! Peg is perfectly content within the safe, contained shell of her egg. While her siblings hatch around her, she imagines all the scary things waiting in the outside world--things that make her happy to stay an egg. But even Peg must hatch. She grows, and grows, and one day . . . CRACK! Peg takes her first hesitant steps into the big, frightening world and discovers . . . the world isn't so bad after all. In fact, it's actually pretty wonderful! Bursting with spirit and humor, Peg Gets Crackin' is packed with entertaining illustrations and perfect for read-aloud storytime. Young readers will giggle at Peg's antics and resonate with her journey to conquer her fears. You never know what exciting adventures are waiting just outside of your shell!
Discussion points
Why do you think Peg wanted to learn how to crack eggs?
How did Peg feel when she first tried and couldn't do it? Have you ever felt like that?
What did Peg learn by the end of the story?
How did the other characters help Peg in her journey?
If you were Peg, what would you have done differently?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, ask your child what they think the story is about based on the cover and title. This sets the stage for active reading.
While reading, pause at pivotal moments and ask your child to guess what might happen next. This enhances predictive skills.
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the characters’ experiences. Relating emotionally can deepen understanding.
After reading, connect the story to your child’s life by discussing similar challenges they’ve faced and how they overcame them.
Revisit the book after a few days and discuss any new insights your child might have. This reinforces retention and comprehension.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: Peg faces challenges while learning to cook but continues to try despite setbacks.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of not giving up when facing difficult tasks, which is essential for problem-solving and achieving goals in school and life.
Example Lesson: Following Instructions
Explanation: Peg learns the importance of following recipes precisely in order to achieve good results in cooking.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of paying attention to detail and following directions, which can be applied in academic settings or while learning new skills.
Example Lesson: Creativity
Explanation: When Peg encounters problems with her cooking, she uses creative thinking to find solutions.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to think outside the box and use their imagination to overcome obstacles, promoting creative problem-solving skills.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Peg takes on the responsibility of cooking a meal, which teaches her about accountability and personal growth.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand the importance of taking responsibility for their own tasks and chores at home or school.