The First Day of School (Puppy and Bear)
#1 in Puppy And Bear Series
What’s inside...
Puppy is small and loves to play. Bear is big and feels grumpy. But the two unlikely friends soon become inseparable. All summer long they play hide-and-seek under the oak trees, fly down the lane on Bear's bike, and pretend to be pirates. Everything is perfect, until the weather cools down and the leaves start to change. Bear is suddenly too busy to play with Puppy. Now that Bear has started school, is he going to leave Puppy behind…forever? Award-winning author Larry Dane Brimner's gentle text and John Bendall-Brunello's warm illustrations combine in this memorable story of friendship.
Discussion points
How do you think Puppy felt on his first day of school? Can you remember how you felt on your first day?
What are some ways that Bear helped Puppy feel better? Have you ever helped a friend in a similar way?
Why is it important to try new things even if they seem a little scary at first?
How did Puppy and Bear show kindness to each other and to other classmates?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate their own experiences to the story, making connections between their feelings and those of Puppy.
Discuss the importance of friendship and support, and ask your child to think of examples of how they can be a good friend at school.
Highlight the positive outcomes of Puppy's experiences and ask your child to think of times when trying something new led to something good.
Use expressive reading to convey the emotions of the characters, making the story more engaging and easier for your child to empathize with.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in new experiences
Explanation: The story showcases how Puppy and Bear face their first day of school with bravery despite feeling nervous.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to embrace new challenges like starting school or joining a new activity with optimism and bravery.
Example Lesson: Friendship and Support
Explanation: Puppy and Bear support each other, demonstrating the value of helping friends through challenging times.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to support their friends in real-life situations, fostering stronger bonds and cooperative spirit.
Example Lesson: Adaptability
Explanation: Throughout their day, Puppy and Bear adapt to various new school activities and schedules.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn that being adaptable and flexible is important when faced with new routines or changes in their day-to-day life.
Example Lesson: The joy of learning
Explanation: The characters experience the excitement of learning new things, which makes them eager to return.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to see learning as a joyful, ongoing process that extends beyond the first day of school.