Pigs Can Fly!: The Adventures of Harriet Pig and Friends
What’s inside...
Harriet Pig is an unstoppable, unflappable force, out to right the world. In this collection of four stories, she realizes her dream to fly, helps a friend overcome a fear of heights, trains for a swim race against a boastful goose, and repays in the extreme a mouse that saves her life. This transitional book is more challenging than an early chapter book, but still accessible to beginning readers who want to laugh as they follow Harriet's adventures. Leslie Tryon's charming black-and-white illustrations perfectly capture the lively spirit of adventure found throughout the book. Harriet's barge-ahead personality provides the laughs, as she does whatever it takes to accomplish her ends.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-10
Length
64 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think Harriet Pig learned during her adventure?
How did Harriet and her friends work together to solve problems?
Can you imagine a new adventure for Harriet? What would it be?
How do you feel when you try something new, like Harriet?
What does 'Pigs Can Fly!' mean to you after reading this book?
Tip: Role play these questions
While discussing the book, express enthusiasm and curiosity about Harriet’s adventures to foster a joyful reading experience.
Relate the story to your child’s experiences, asking if they have ever faced a situation similar to Harriet and how they handled it.
Encourage creative thinking by asking your child to come up with alternative endings or additional adventures for the characters.
Use follow-up questions to dig deeper into your child’s thoughts and feelings about the story to enhance comprehension and empathy.
Praise your child’s responses to build their confidence in expressing their thoughts and insights about the book.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Believe in Yourself
Explanation: Harriet Pig encourages her friends to try flying, symbolizing the importance of self-belief.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by embracing challenges in learning new skills, such as riding a bike or solving math problems.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: Harriet and her friends work together to build a contraption to fly, emphasizing the power of cooperation.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the significance of collaborating with others in projects or team sports, fostering a sense of community.
Example Lesson: Innovation and Creativity
Explanation: The story highlights how Harriet and her friends use unconventional methods to achieve their goal, celebrating creativity.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to think creatively in problem-solving, whether in school projects or daily tasks.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: Despite several failed attempts, Harriet and her friends keep trying, showcasing perseverance.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to not give up easily when faced with difficulties in their studies or personal endeavors.
Example Lesson: Joy in Learning
Explanation: The joy the characters experience in building and attempting to fly teaches the pleasure of learning and discovering.
Real-World Application: This can help children to see learning as a fun and fulfilling journey, not just an obligation.