Sam's Pet Temper
What’s inside...
The hero of this picture book, Sam, has to wait for everything on the playground one day, which makes him extremely mad. Suddenly, a Temper appears and causes havoc, making all the other children run away. At first, Sam enjoys having a pet Temper, but soon it starts causing trouble. Eventually, Sam realizes he needs to control his Temper. This tale by Sangeeta Bhadra illustrates how small children can become overwhelmed with anger and the consequences of letting that anger take over. The illustrations by Marion Arbona focus on the Temper, helping children understand that their anger isn't who they are, and underlining the importance of self-discipline, responsibility, patience, and perseverance.
Age
3-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Sam
Temper
Discussion points
What do you think made Sam's temper come alive as a furry creature?
How did Sam feel when his temper was causing trouble?
What changes did Sam make to help tame his temper?
Can you think of a time when you felt like Sam? What did you do?
Why is it important to manage our tempers?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the book by relating to their own experiences. Validate their feelings and discuss the importance of managing emotions. Use examples from the book to talk about consequences of actions and the benefits of self-control. Highlight how Sam learns to handle his emotions and ask your child to think about ways they can apply similar strategies.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding and managing emotions
Explanation: In 'Sam's Pet Temper', the main character, Sam, encounters a fiery temper that grows increasingly unruly. The story illustrates how emotions, if not managed, can escalate and affect oneself and others around them.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by recognizing their own emotions and learning techniques to calm down before their feelings become overwhelming.
Example Lesson: Consequences of actions
Explanation: As Sam's temper causes havoc, he begins to see the negative effects of letting his anger take control, such as friends feeling upset and scared. This plot point serves as a concrete example of how actions directly impact others.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand that their behaviors have impacts and encourages them to think about the outcomes before acting on impulse.
Example Lesson: Importance of seeking help
Explanation: When Sam realizes he cannot handle his temper alone, he seeks help from his parents. This aspect of the story highlights the importance of asking for assistance when dealing with difficult situations.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to reach out to adults, like parents or teachers, whenever they feel overwhelmed or unable to resolve a problem on their own.
Example Lesson: Forgiveness and making amends
Explanation: After recognizing the chaos caused by his temper, Sam makes an effort to apologize and make amends with his friends. The narrative shows the value of forgiveness and repairing relationships.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of saying sorry and making things right after they have made a mistake, fostering a sense of responsibility and empathy.