Pretzel and the Puppies: Meet the Pups!
#2 of 94 in I Can Read Level 1 Series
What’s inside...
Join Pretzel, everyone’s favorite dachshund, and his darling puppies in this delightful tale from Margret Rey. As the long-bodied Pretzel introduces his energetic pups to the world around them, young readers will be captivated by their playful adventures. This charming story not only entertains but also highlights the values of family bonds and curiosity. It's perfect for teaching children about exploration and relationships through the heartwarming interactions of Pretzel and his pups. Based on the streaming series Pretzel and the Puppies on Apple TV+, this I Can Read introduces the series' puppy stars as they work together to plan a celebration for the city of Muttgomery. Welcome to Muttgomery, the nicest little city in an all-dog world, and home of Pretzel, Greta, and their five adorable Dachshund puppies: Poppy, Penny, Pedro, Puck, and Paxton. Pretzel is a peppy, playful, and always positive stay-at-home dad, and he and Greta, the mayor of Muttgomery, have a knack for encouraging their pups to follow their passions and make the world a better place! In this I Can Read book, readers are introduced to the Doxie family and their plans for a parade to celebrate their neighbors and their town. Pretzel and the Puppies: Meet the Pups! is a Level One I Can Read book, which means it's perfect for children learning to sound out words and sentences. Whether shared at home or in a classroom, the short sentences, familiar words, and simple concepts of Level One books support success for children eager to start reading on their own.
Discussion points
What do you think each of the puppies likes to do for fun?
How do you think Pretzel feels about being a parent to all these puppies?
Which puppy do you relate to the most and why?
What would you do if you were Pretzel for a day?
How can we help take care of pets like Pretzel takes care of her puppies?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine the personalities and adventures of each puppy to foster creativity. Discuss the responsibilities of taking care of pets, linking them to Pretzel’s role as a parent to deepen empathy and responsibility. Relate the puppies' activities to your child’s daily life to make the story more relevant and engaging. Use the book as an opportunity to discuss the joys and challenges of family life, promoting understanding and appreciation for familial roles.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and cooperation
Explanation: Pretzel and the puppies work together to solve problems and achieve goals throughout the story.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of collaborating with others, which can help them in school projects and in playing sports.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: The pups take on tasks suitable for their age, learning to care for themselves and each other.
Real-World Application: Kids are encouraged to take on age-appropriate chores at home, helping them develop a sense of responsibility.
Example Lesson: Embracing diversity
Explanation: The puppies encounter and befriend dogs of different breeds and backgrounds, promoting inclusivity.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by embracing differences in classmates and learning to appreciate diversity in their community.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: Throughout the book, the puppies face various challenges and learn to think critically to resolve them.
Real-World Application: This fosters critical thinking and creativity in children, equipping them to tackle their own real-life problems effectively.
Example Lesson: Kindness and empathy
Explanation: The puppies show kindness to each other and understand feelings, reinforcing positive behavior.
Real-World Application: Promotes emotional intelligence by encouraging kids to be considerate and supportive in their interactions with others.