Pickle & Penguin
What’s inside...
A talking pickle with a television show meets a penguin in Antarctica and brings him back to New York City. Having lived an adventurous life, Pickle is excited to join up with Penguin who, bored with Antarctica, is looking for a change. After they reach New York City and accidentally get separated, the new friends must rely on the residents of the city, including Lady Liberty, to reunite them once again.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did Pickle and Penguin show their friendship throughout the story?
Why do you think Penguin decided to help Pickle?
What are some ways that Pickle and Penguin showed they cared for each other?
How did the setting of the story influence the adventures of Pickle and Penguin?
If you were in the story, what would you do to help Pickle and Penguin on their journey?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading to bring the characters of Pickle and Penguin to life, which can help your child connect emotionally with the story.
Ask your child to guess what might happen next at various points in the book to encourage prediction skills.
After reading, encourage your child to draw a picture of their favorite part of the book, fostering creativity and reinforcing comprehension.
Discuss the theme of friendship in the book and relate it to your child’s experiences with their own friends.
Share a personal story about a time you helped a friend or received help, to make the themes more relatable and meaningful.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of friendship
Explanation: In 'Pickle & Penguin', the bond between Pickle and Penguin showcases the value of companionship as they embark on various adventures together.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to appreciate and nurture their friendships, understanding that true friends support and have fun with each other.
Example Lesson: Creative problem-solving
Explanation: Throughout the book, Pickle and Penguin encounter various challenges that they solve together creatively, highlighting teamwork and ingenuity.
Real-World Application: Kids learn to think outside the box and use creativity to navigate obstacles in their daily activities, whether it’s at home or school.
Example Lesson: Embracing differences
Explanation: Pickle and Penguin are quite different in appearance and personality, yet their differences make their friendship stronger and more dynamic.
Real-World Application: This promotes acceptance and respect for individual differences among peers, helping children build more inclusive communities.
Example Lesson: Perseverance through adversity
Explanation: As Pickle and Penguin face various setbacks, their persistent efforts to overcome them highlight the importance of resilience.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to stay determined and keep trying, even when faced with difficult situations, fostering a resilient mindset.
Example Lesson: Sharing joy and success
Explanation: When Pickle and Penguin triumph over challenges, they celebrate their successes together, which underscores the value of sharing happy moments.
Real-World Application: Teaching children to share their achievements and joys with others fosters a sense of community and mutual happiness.