The Adventures of Miss Petitfour
The Adventures of Miss Petitfour Series
What’s inside...
The magical adventures of an eccentric Mary Poppins-esque heroine and her flying feline charges, sure to charm readers big and small. The first book for children by an internationally acclaimed novelist and poet. Miss Petitfour enjoys having adventures that are 'just the right size - fitting into a single, magical day.' She is an expert at baking and eating fancy iced cakes, and her favorite mode of travel is par avion. On windy days, she takes her sixteen cats out for an airing: Minky, Misty, Taffy, Purrsia, Pirate, Mustard, Moutarde, Hemdela, Earring, Grigorovitch, Clasby, Captain Captain, Captain Catkin, Captain Cothespin, Your Shyness and Sizzles. With the aid of her favorite tea party tablecloth as a makeshift balloon, Miss Petitfour and her charges fly over her village, having many little adventures along the way. Join Miss Petitfour and her equally eccentric felines on five magical outings -- a search for marmalade, to a spring jumble sale, on a quest for 'birthday cheddar', the retrieval of a lost rare stamp and as they compete in the village's annual Festooning Festival. A whimsical, beautifully illustrated collection of tales that celebrates language, storytelling and small pleasures, especially the edible kind!
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
6-9
Length
144 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think Miss Petitfour enjoys most about her adventures?
How does Miss Petitfour react when she faces a problem? What can we learn from her responses?
Miss Petitfour travels with her cats on many adventures. Which cat do you find most interesting, and why?
If you could join Miss Petitfour on one of her adventures, where would you like to go and what would you do there?
How do the illustrations in the book add to the story? Which picture is your favorite?
Tip: Role play these questions
As you explore 'The Adventures of Miss Petitfour' with your child, emphasize the joy and curiosity in each of Miss Petitfour's adventures. Discuss the emotions and dilemmas faced by the characters to prompt reflections on similar experiences in your child's life.
Encourage your child to think about problem-solving by discussing Miss Petitfour’s approach to challenges. Highlight how creativity and a positive attitude can help solve problems.
Use the illustrations in the book as a talking point to deepen the reading experience. Ask your child about what they see, think, and feel about the images. This helps develop observational skills and emotional intelligence.
Create a fun activity by imagining your own adventures with Miss Petitfour and her cats. Ask your child what special items they would pack for the adventure and why, fostering creativity and decision-making skills.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of Kindness
Explanation: Miss Petitfour demonstrates kindness through her gentle interactions with her cats and the people she meets. Her considerate actions establish a positive atmosphere around her.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by practicing small acts of kindness daily, such as sharing with peers or helping family members, thereby fostering a nurturing environment.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Imagination
Explanation: The story celebrates creativity, as Miss Petitfour enjoys adventures powered by her imaginative mind and her magical tablecloth that allows her to fly.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to engage in creative play and use their imagination to solve problems or create stories, enhancing cognitive flexibility and innovative thinking.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: Throughout her adventures, Miss Petitfour encounters various challenges that she resolves using clever and often unconventional solutions.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to think critically and come up with creative solutions in their own lives, whether in academic challenges or interpersonal conflicts.
Example Lesson: Value of Community
Explanation: Miss Petitfour emphasizes the importance of community as she interacts and collaborates with different characters in the village.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of being involved in their community and how cooperation with others can lead to positive outcomes.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Learning
Explanation: Miss Petitfour’s adventures are driven by her curiosity and desire to learn more about the world around her.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of asking questions and seeking knowledge in all situations, promoting lifelong learning and intellectual engagement.