The Adventures of Gertrude the Guinea Pig
What’s inside...
Gertrude the Guinea Pig lives with the loving Bliss Family and enjoys all the pleasures of being their beloved pet. But after listening to the bedtime stories Mr. Bliss reads to the children, she realizes she is not completely happy. What her life is missing is ... Adventure! And so she decides to escape into the wide, wild world beyond her small, cozy one.
Age
6-13
Length
79 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Gertrude felt when she set out on her adventure?
What would you have done if you were in Gertrude's place?
Why is it important to help others, like Gertrude did in the story?
Can you think of a time when you were brave like Gertrude?
What lessons did Gertrude learn during her adventures?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to put themselves in Gertrude’s shoes, fostering empathy and understanding. Use the story as a springboard to discuss the value of courage and helping others. Keep the conversation light and enjoyable, allowing your child to express their thoughts freely. Highlight connections to your child’s own experiences to make the discussion more relatable.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: Gertrude the Guinea Pig demonstrates empathy by understanding and sharing the feelings of her friends throughout their adventures.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to be considerate and understand perspectives different from their own, helping them form better relationships.
Example Lesson: Courage
Explanation: Gertrude shows bravery when she faces challenges, such as when she rescues her friend from a tricky situation.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to face their fears and take on challenges confidently in their daily lives.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: Throughout the story, Gertrude encounters various problems that she solves using her creativity and intelligence.
Real-World Application: Kids are inspired to think critically and creatively to solve their own problems, whether at school or at home.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Gertrude takes on responsibilities seriously, looking out for her friends and making sure they stay out of trouble.
Real-World Application: This instills a sense of duty in children, teaching them the importance of being accountable for their actions.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: The story highlights the importance of working together as Gertrude and her friends combine their efforts to overcome obstacles.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of cooperation and working collectively to achieve common goals.