Potbellied Pigs
Unique pets Series
on Goodreads (2)
What’s inside...
Presents information about the physical characteristics, behavior, and history of potbellied pigs and discusses keeping and caring for these animals as pets. This title also explores the potbellied pig's intelligence, cleanliness, breed history, behaviors, size, appearance, natural habitat, diet, reproduction, development, and care and keeping. Features include large, full-color photos and alignment to Common Core Standards.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
24 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think makes potbellied pigs different from other types of pigs we see on farms?
How do you think the potbellied pig feels when it meets new friends in the story?
If you had a potbellied pig as a pet, what would you name it and why?
What are some ways the potbellied pig shows intelligence and emotions throughout the book?
If you could write another adventure for the potbellied pig, what would happen in your story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading techniques, changing your tone and volume, to make the story more lively and engaging for the child.
Pause after important moments in the story to ask the child how they think the character feels or what they might do next.
Relate the story’s themes to the child’s own experiences, such as meeting new people or animals, and discuss their feelings and reactions in those situations.
Encourage the child to imagine having a potbellied pig as a pet, discussing the responsibilities and fun activities they could do together.
After reading, encourage the child to draw their favorite scene or character from the book to further engage with the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Through the daily care needed by a pet pig, children learn the importance of being responsible.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply this lesson by taking on small tasks at home, like feeding a pet or cleaning up their room.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: Children understand the feelings of the pet pig and its needs, cultivating a sense of empathy.
Real-World Application: This can help children in recognizing emotions in others and managing their interactions with friends and family more thoughtfully.
Example Lesson: The value of research
Explanation: Before getting a pet pig, the story highlights the importance of proper research to understand its needs fully.
Real-World Application: Children learn to seek information and prepare before starting new projects or making big decisions.
Example Lesson: Patience
Explanation: Caring for a pet pig requires patience, especially when training or dealing with its needs.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to be patient in real life situations, whether it's waiting their turn or completing school tasks.
Example Lesson: Commitment
Explanation: Maintaining a pet pig’s health and happiness shows children the importance of commitment.
Real-World Application: Kids can translate this understanding into sticking with their hobbies, schoolwork, or other responsibilities.