The Birthday Pet
What’s inside...
It was Danny's birthday and his family told him he could choose any pet he wanted. Danny wished for a turtle, but his family surprised him with a dog, a kitten, a rat, and a bird instead. After each gift, Danny shook his head, expressing his disappointment. Finally, he received the turtle he had wanted all along. The story is complemented by Kevin O'Malley's cheerful illustrations created with design markers and colored pencils.
Age
2-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Danny
Dad
Discussion points
How did Danny feel when he got the pet he didn't expect, and why do you think he felt that way?
What would you have done if you were in Danny's situation with a pet you didn't initially want?
How did the different pets in the story help Danny learn about responsibility?
Why is it important to take care of pets, even if they aren't what we first wanted?
How do you think the story would have changed if Danny had received the pet he originally asked for?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage empathy by asking your child how they would feel receiving a pet or gift they didn’t ask for, mirroring Danny’s experience.
Discuss the responsibilities involved in caring for a pet, drawing parallels to Danny's journey with his pets in the story.
Use the story as a backdrop to chat about appreciating and loving things, even if they aren't our first choice.
Highlight the importance of patience and understanding through Danny's adaptation to his unexpected birthday pet.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: In 'The Birthday Pet', the protagonist learns about the responsibilities involved in taking care of a pet.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of daily duties, such as feeding and grooming, teaching them accountability and consistency.
Example Lesson: Understanding and Expressing Preferences
Explanation: The story emphasizes the importance of understanding one's own preferences, as the main character expresses a desire for a specific pet.
Real-World Application: This can teach children to identify and communicate their own preferences and choices in real-life situations.
Example Lesson: The Consequences of Choices
Explanation: The book illustrates how choices have consequences, showing the outcomes of the protagonist’s decisions regarding pet selection.
Real-World Application: Children can relate this to making thoughtful choices in their lives, understanding that every decision has an impact.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Care for Others
Explanation: As the story unfolds, the protagonist learns to empathize with the pet's needs and feelings.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to consider the feelings of others and fosters empathy, which is crucial in developing social relationships.