Pugs of the Frozen North
#1 of 4 in A Not-So-Impossible Tale Series
What’s inside...
The Race to the Top of the World! It comes around once in a lifetime, and the prize? Your heart's desire. Shen and Sika can't resist the chance to win, but competition is fierce. The path to victory is littered with snow trolls, sea monsters, and a gang of particularly hungry yetis. But Shen and Sika have something the other contestants don't have. Actually, they have 66 other things; pugs to be exact. That's a 264 paw-powered sled. Let the race begin! Get ready for a ruff, ruff ride! For early chapter book readers who are ready for something longer, the Not-So-Impossible Tales are packed with humor, action, and illustrations on almost every page. Far away, in a winter wonderland, an amazing sled race is about to begin. The winner can make one wish, and it will magically come true! Two friends, Sika and Shen, want to win more than anything. But all they have is a pack of yappy, yippy, pug puppies. Ten pugs can't move their sled. Even with thirty, it doesn't budge. But what about... SIXTY-SIX? With a little bit of luck, anything is paws-ible. Reviews highlight the book as a 'madcap, magical blend of fluff and other good stuff' and 'rich in humor and meaning both. Pug power!'
Discussion points
What do you think inspired Shen and Sika's determination to win the race?
How do the various characters in the book show teamwork or friendship?
If you could have a magical pet like the pugs, what abilities would you want it to have?
Which part of the snowy adventure did you find the most exciting and why?
If you were to face the True Winter, how would you prepare yourself like the characters in the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Take turns sharing your favorite part of the book and why it stood out to you. This helps children articulate their thoughts and connect with the story.
Discuss the significance of perseverance and teamwork as demonstrated in the book through characters like Shen, Sika, and their 66 pugs, highlighting the importance of working together towards common goals.
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in the magical, snowy world of the book. Ask how they would navigate challenges faced by the characters, enhancing their problem-solving skills.
Relate the characters’ adventures to real-life situations by asking your child how they would use their own strengths to overcome obstacles, fostering resilience and self-confidence.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and collaboration
Explanation: In 'Pugs of the Frozen North', the protagonists work together to face the challenges of the snowy race. Their success relies heavily on their ability to collaborate and pool their strengths.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to work cooperatively in group activities at school or in sports, understanding that team effort can achieve goals that might be unreachable individually.
Example Lesson: Resilience and problem-solving
Explanation: Throughout the book, characters encounter various obstacles and use creative thinking and perseverance to overcome them. This highlights the importance of resilience and not giving up when faced with difficulties.
Real-World Application: Kids can mirror this behavior when dealing with challenges, such as completing a difficult homework assignment or resolving conflicts with friends, understanding the importance of persistence.
Example Lesson: Kindness and empathy
Explanation: The characters often show compassion and help each other during the race, which underscores the values of kindness and empathy.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to consider the feelings of others and act kindly in their daily interactions, promoting a more empathetic and supportive social environment.
Example Lesson: Adventurous spirit
Explanation: The excitement and adventurous journey in the snowy race encourage an adventurous spirit and curiosity to explore new things.
Real-World Application: Children can be inspired to try new activities, explore new books, or learn about different cultures, broadening their horizons and fostering a love for discovery.
Example Lesson: Importance of goals
Explanation: The characters in the book are driven by the goal to win the race, demonstrating the importance of setting and working towards achieving goals.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to set their own goals in academics, hobbies, or personal development and understand the satisfaction and growth that comes from achieving these goals.