Pretzel
#3 of 203 in OverDrive Read Series
on Goodreads (1,168)
What’s inside...
The story follows Pretzel, the longest dachshund in the world, who is admired by everyone and wins a blue ribbon at the dog show. Despite his accolades, Pretzel is unable to win the affection of Greta, the little dachshund across the street who dislikes long dogs. However, when Greta finds herself in a predicament that only Pretzel can resolve, she begins to see his true value. Pretzel uses his unique length to help Greta, leading to a change of heart and eventually, a family of their own with adorable puppies. This tale of acceptance and love is beautifully crafted by the creators of Curious George and is perfect for dog lovers and fans of Margret and H. A. Rey.
Discussion points
Why do you think Pretzel wanted to be so long, and how did it make him feel when others thought he was too long?
What did Pretzel learn about making friends and being different from others?
How did Pretzel's unique size help him in the end, and what does that teach us about individual differences?
How do you think Greta felt about Pretzel before and after the incident with the little dog?
What would you do if you had a special trait like Pretzel? How would you use it to help others or make friends?
Tip: Role play these questions
Begin the conversation by recounting Pretzel's story and his feelings throughout the book to ensure comprehension.
Focus on Pretzel's emotions and reactions to different situations, asking your child to relate by questioning how they would feel in similar scenarios.
Discuss the importance of accepting and celebrating everyone's unique qualities, drawing parallels to people in your child's life or their personal experiences.
Encourage your child to imagine different endings to the story based on different choices characters could make, fostering creative thinking and empathy.
Highlight the positive aspects of friendship and kindness demonstrated in the story, prompting your child to share stories of kindness from their own life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Acceptance of Differences
Explanation: In 'Pretzel', the titular dachshund is different from other dogs due to his unusually long body, which initially makes him feel self-conscious. However, his unique physical trait eventually helps him win the love of another dog, Greta.
Real-World Application: Children learn to embrace and celebrate their unique qualities or those of others, understanding that differences can be strengths rather than weaknesses.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: Despite being initially rejected by Greta because of his appearance, Pretzel does not give up on trying to impress her. His perseverance is shown when he manages to save a chick and win Greta's admiration and affection.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to keep trying in the face of setbacks and understand that persistence often leads to success.
Example Lesson: Kindness and Empathy
Explanation: Pretzel's actions towards the chick demonstrate his gentle and caring nature. His ability to respond to the needs of others showcases empathy.
Real-World Application: This story promotes the importance of being kind and responsive to others' needs, highlighting how acts of kindness can lead to positive outcomes.
Example Lesson: Problem-Solving
Explanation: Pretzel uses his long body creatively to solve the problem when the chick is in trouble, which leads to a positive resolution in the story.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of thinking creatively to solve problems and that sometimes, unconventional methods can be the most effective.
Example Lesson: Self-Acceptance
Explanation: By the end of the book, both Pretzel and Greta appreciate Pretzel's unique body. This transformation highlights the theme of self-acceptance.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to appreciate themselves as they are and understand that everyone has something valuable to offer.