Pigs in Pajamas
on Goodreads (117)
What’s inside...
At Penelope Pig's sleepover party, six pigs in pj's eat pizza and pasta, pound a pinata, pin the tail on the pony, prance to piano, and then form a precarious pyramid--collapsing, of course, into a squealing pig pile! Maggie Smith combines rollicking rhymes and infectious alliterations to make a perfectly pleasing book filled with fun and the letter P. And while there are scads of P words in the text, the art has even more--the pictures are filled with more than 75 objects beginning with the letter P for young readers to find. The playful pictures also introduce other preschool concepts, such as colors, shapes, patterns, and counting. Pigs in Pajamas offers a fun way to get preschoolers thinking about language and building their vocabularies. Party on, Penelope Pig!
Discussion points
What do you think the pigs will dream about in their pajamas?
Why do you think the author chose pigs as the main characters?
How do the colorful pajamas make the story more interesting?
What was your favorite part of the book and why?
If you could wear pajamas like one of the pigs, which pair would you choose?
Tip: Role play these questions
While discussing the book, show genuine interest in your child's responses to make them feel valued and heard.
Encourage your child to relate the story to their own bedtime routine which can make the conversation more personal and engaging.
Ask your child to draw or describe their ideal pajama set inspired by the pigs’ pajamas, blending creativity with discussion.
Use expressive reading techniques, such as different voices for each pig, to make the story come alive and keep your child engaged.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Friendship and Sharing
Explanation: In 'Pigs in Pajamas', the pigs demonstrate strong friendships by sharing their belongings during their pajama party, which emphasizes the importance of generosity among friends.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to share their toys or snacks with their friends at school or during playdates, fostering a sense of community and friendship.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Imagination
Explanation: The book showcases the pigs engaging in various imaginative play scenarios while dressed in their pajamas, highlighting the value of creativity.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to engage in imaginative play, using costumes or props found at home to create their own stories or adventures, enhancing their creative thinking skills.
Example Lesson: Importance of Routine
Explanation: The story ends with the pigs winding down and preparing for bed, stressing the importance of having a bedtime routine.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand the significance of routines, such as brushing teeth and bedtime storytelling, which aids in developing healthy habits and time management skills.