Petunia Perry and the Curse of the Ugly Pigeon
#1 in Petunia Perry Series
on Goodreads (146)
What’s inside...
Petunia Perry has decided to write her memoirs. She wants the world to know what it’s like to start secondary school with a best friend who stages one-person flash mobs in the canteen, a mother who over-shares at parents’ evenings and an unwelcome suitor who draws pictures of her as a unicorn. But it’s when she decides to start a band with a spoon-player and a lead-singer who’s a cat that things take a turn for the truly crazy. With kooky, cool incidental illustrations throughout, this hilarious novel about how to fit in when you don’t want to conform will be adored by fans of Louise Rennison and David Walliams.
Discussion points
What do you think Petunia Perry learned from her adventures with the ugly pigeon?
How did Petunia's perspective on friendship change throughout the story?
What would you have done if you were in Petunia's shoes when she encountered the ugly pigeon?
How do you think handling challenges helps us grow, just like Petunia did in the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Begin your discussion by summarizing the plot with your child to refresh their memory. Encourage them to express their thoughts and feelings about the story. Use pauses after each question to give them time to think and respond. Validate their feelings and viewpoints to make them feel heard and valued. Relate the scenarios in the book to real-life situations to help them connect with the themes on a deeper level.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of friendship
Explanation: Petunia Perry learns to value and rely on her friends as she navigates the challenges presented by the curse and her everyday school life.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and nurture their friendships, understanding how crucial it is to have support in difficult times.
Example Lesson: Overcoming fears
Explanation: Throughout the book, Petunia faces her fear of pigeons and other challenges, demonstrating resilience and courage.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to face their own fears and understand that overcoming obstacles is a part of growth and learning.
Example Lesson: The power of communication
Explanation: Petunia and her friends solve problems by talking them through and asking for help when needed, underscoring the importance of open communication.
Real-World Application: Kids are encouraged to express their feelings and thoughts, improving their communication skills and building stronger relationships.
Example Lesson: Accepting change
Explanation: Petunia learns to adapt to changes in her life, whether they're related to friendships or personal challenges.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of being adaptable, helping them navigate the inevitable changes in life smoothly and confidently.
Example Lesson: Developing empathy
Explanation: The story illustrates how understanding different perspectives can lead to better relationships and resolution of conflicts.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children to consider others' feelings and viewpoints, fostering a more inclusive and empathetic approach in their interactions.