Pizza My Heart: Book Three of the Norma and Belly Series
#3 of 4 in Norma And Belly Series
What’s inside...
In 'Pizza My Heart: Book Three of the Norma and Belly Series,' author Mika Song serves up a delightful slice of friendship and adventure. Norma and Belly, two adorable squirrels, embark on a whimsical journey to save their beloved pizza shop. Through clever problem-solving and teamwork, they aim to keep the flavors of their community alive. This charming tale not only entertains but also subtly teaches children about the importance of collaboration and supporting local businesses. A perfect pick for parents looking to nourish their child's empathy and entrepreneurial spirit.
Character compass
Norma
Belly
Discussion points
How do you think Norma felt when she shared her pizza with Belly? Would you have done the same?
What does the act of sharing tell us about Norma and Belly’s friendship? Can you think of a time you shared something important with a friend?
Why do you think the author chose pizza as a central theme in this story? What does pizza symbolize in Norma and Belly's relationship?
How did Norma and Belly handle their disagreements? What can we learn from their resolution methods?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, ask your child what they know about friendship and sharing, setting the stage for the themes in 'Pizza My Heart'.
While reading, pause at key moments to ask your child how they think a character is feeling or what they might do next, enhancing their empathy and predictive skills.
After reading, connect the story to your child's life by discussing times they’ve experienced similar situations, helping them relate personally to the book's messages.
Encourage your child to draw or act out their favorite scene. This not only deepens their connection with the story but also enhances their creative expression.
Use examples from the book to highlight the importance of sharing and understanding, fostering a sense of morality and social responsibility.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of friendship
Explanation: In 'Pizza My Heart: Book Three of the Norma and Belly Series', the characters demonstrate deep bonds of friendship, showing support and understanding towards each other throughout various challenges.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to value and nurture their friendships, understanding that being a good friend involves kindness, support, and empathy.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of obstacles
Explanation: The story showcases how the characters overcome difficulties, whether personal or external, highlighting their ability to adapt and persevere.
Real-World Application: This lesson instills the value of resilience in children, teaching them to face challenges head-on and not be easily discouraged by setbacks.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: Throughout the book, the characters encounter several problems which they must solve together. This collaborative problem-solving is a key aspect of the plot.
Real-World Application: Children can apply these skills in everyday situations, learning to think critically and collaborate with others to find solutions.
Example Lesson: Importance of communication
Explanation: The characters often engage in conversations that resolve conflicts and misunderstandings, showing the power of effective communication.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the importance of open communication and expressing themselves clearly to avoid conflicts and misunderstandings.
Example Lesson: Cultural appreciation
Explanation: The series includes elements that celebrate different cultures, particularly through food, which plays a central role in the story.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and respect different cultures, expanding their worldview and embracing diversity through everyday activities like cooking and eating different cuisines.