Rhinos Don't Eat Pancakes
on Goodreads (577)
What’s inside...
Daisy's mum and dad are always too busy to listen to a word that she says. One day, she tells them that a big purple rhino has walked into the house and eaten her pancake, but no one listens. However, when a purple rhino is reported missing from the zoo, Daisy's parents start to pay attention. This charming story of a girl and her unlikely new friend will delight children and remind busy parents to take time to listen to their kids.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
30 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think Daisy felt when no one believed her about the rhino?
Why is it important to listen to others, even if their stories seem unbelievable?
How did Daisy and the rhino help each other throughout the story?
What would you have done if you found a rhino in your house?
How do you think the story would change if everyone believed Daisy from the beginning?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the characters and situations in the story.
Ask your child to relate the events in the book to their own experiences, fostering personal connections with the story.
Discuss the importance of empathy and understanding, as demonstrated by Daisy's interactions with the rhino.
Use the story as a springboard to talk about the consequences of not listening to others and the importance of communication.
Highlight the element of surprise and imagination in the story, encouraging your child to think creatively and explore their own fantastical ideas.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Listening is key
Explanation: In 'Rhinos Don't Eat Pancakes', Daisy’s parents initially don’t listen to her story about the rhino, illustrating the importance of listening to others.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by learning to listen attentively when others speak, which can improve their communication skills and relationships.
Example Lesson: Embracing Uniqueness
Explanation: The story shows that the rhino, though out of place in a human setting, is accepted and cherished for its uniqueness, teaching children to value differences.
Real-World Application: This helps children appreciate diversity among their peers, fostering inclusiveness and understanding.
Example Lesson: Courage in speaking up
Explanation: Daisy shows bravery by continuing to tell her parents about the rhino despite initially being ignored, which underlines the importance of persistence.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of speaking up for themselves and others, even if it may seem challenging initially.
Example Lesson: Importance of problem-solving
Explanation: Daisy and the rhino work together to solve the rhino's problem, showcasing teamwork and creative problem-solving.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to collaborate and use creativity to solve problems they encounter in their daily activities.
Example Lesson: Empathy and kindness
Explanation: The bond that forms between Daisy and the rhino demonstrates empathy and kindness towards others, irrespective of their differences.
Real-World Application: This can teach children to develop empathy, enabling them to understand and share the feelings of others, enhancing their emotional intelligence.