Prudence Wants a Pet
on Goodreads (1,013)
What’s inside...
Prudence wants a pet so much that she adopts a branch, a twig, a tire, and even a shoe named Formal Footwear, but none is a. suitable pet for Prudence.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think made Prudence want a pet so much? Have you ever wanted something that much?
How did Prudence use her imagination when she couldn’t get a real pet? Can you think of other ways she could have used her imagination?
Why do you think Prudence’s parents hesitated to get her a pet? How did they feel by the end of the story about her pet branch?
What did you learn from how Prudence handled her desire for a pet? Would you have done anything differently?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about wanting something they can't have, drawing parallels between their experiences and Prudence's.
Discuss the importance of patience and how sometimes waiting or making compromises, like Prudence did, can lead to unexpected and wonderful outcomes.
Use the story to explore themes of imagination and creativity, asking your child how they might create fun out of ordinary objects like Prudence did with her 'pets.'
Highlight the resolution of the story and talk about how understanding and open communication within a family can lead to happy solutions.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Creativity and resourcefulness
Explanation: Prudence exhibits her creativity by turning everyday objects into 'pets' when her parents deny her a real one.
Real-World Application: Children learn to use their imagination to solve problems and make the best of their resources, promoting creativity in their daily play and interactions.
Example Lesson: Patience and perseverance
Explanation: Despite initial setbacks, Prudence maintains her wish for a pet and patiently waits, showing perseverance.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of patience and persistence in achieving their goals, whether it’s waiting for a new pet or working towards any other long-term reward.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Through her interactions with her makeshift 'pets,' Prudence begins to learn what is involved in caring for another being.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand and develop a sense of responsibility, which can be applied to caring for a pet, completing personal tasks, or helping out around the house.
Example Lesson: Adaptability
Explanation: Prudence adapts her desire for a conventional pet by creating pets from objects she can find.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of adaptability in life, understanding that sometimes, adapting our desires to our circumstances is necessary and rewarding.
Example Lesson: Family communication
Explanation: Prudence’s ongoing dialogue with her parents about wanting a pet highlights effective family communication.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to express their desires and engage in open communication with family members, fostering strong familial relationships.