Piggies in the Kitchen
What’s inside...
When Mama leaves for the day, her piggies have big plans. Sneaking into the kitchen to bake some treats, they make quite a mess—but it’s all for a very special surprise party! Readers will squeal with delight over Michelle Meadows and New York Times bestselling illustrator Ard Hoyt’s raucous tale of culinary chaos.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the piggies will make next in the kitchen?
How did the piggies work together to create their treats? Can you think of a time when you worked together with someone?
What would you do if you found piggies making a mess in your kitchen?
Why is it important to clean up after we finish cooking or baking?
If you could cook any treat with the piggies, what would it be and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts about the story by asking them to describe their favorite part and why they liked it.
Relate the piggies’ kitchen adventures to your child’s experiences, such as cooking or making something together, to make the discussion more personable.
Discuss the importance of teamwork and responsibility, as shown by the piggies when they work together and clean up after cooking.
Ask your child to imagine and describe their own recipe they would like to try with the piggies, fostering creativity and engagement with the story’s theme.
Use expressive gestures or voices for different piggies when discussing the book to make the conversation lively and engaging.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Collaboration
Explanation: In 'Piggies in the Kitchen', the piglets work together to bake a cake, showcasing how collaboration can lead to successful outcomes.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by participating in group activities at school or helping out in family tasks, learning that working together often makes tasks easier and more enjoyable.
Example Lesson: Following Instructions
Explanation: The story highlights the importance of following recipes, which serves as a metaphor for the broader value of adhering to instructions in order to achieve desired results.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand the importance of listening to and following directions from teachers, parents, or guides, fostering a habit that is crucial in educational settings and beyond.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Innovation
Explanation: Despite the mess created in the process, the piggies’ adventurous spirit in trying to bake a cake reflects the essence of creativity and experimenting with new ideas.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to explore their own creative ideas and try new things, whether it be in arts, crafts, or problem-solving scenarios.
Example Lesson: Responsibility and Cleanliness
Explanation: The piglets face the consequences of making a mess in the kitchen, reminding readers that taking responsibility for one's actions, including cleaning up after one's mess, is important.
Real-World Application: This lesson can be applied to a child’s everyday life by emphasizing the importance of cleaning up their play areas, their rooms, or after completing a craft project, instilling a sense of responsibility and order.
Example Lesson: Handling Unexpected Outcomes
Explanation: When the cake does not turn out as expected, the piglets learn to deal with disappointment and unexpected outcomes in a positive way.
Real-World Application: Teaches children resilience and adaptability when things don't go according to plan, whether it's a project at school or a personal goal, and helps them learn to maintain a positive outlook.