The Pet Potato
What’s inside...
The Pet Potato is a delightful and hilarious picture book by Josh Lacey and Momoko Abe. It follows Albert who, despite initial disappointment that his potato can't do typical pet activities, grows fond of it. When the potato starts to rot, Albert is devastated but buries it in the garden. With care and patience, he discovers that his potato can do a great trick after all, showcasing a story about finding companionship in unlikely places.
Age
3-6
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the potato feels when it becomes a pet? How would you feel in its place?
If you had a pet like the potato, what would you do to take care of it?
What do you think is the most important message of 'The Pet Potato'?
How do the characters in the book change from the beginning to the end?
Can you think of a time when you felt like the potato? How did you handle it?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading to bring the characters to life, altering your tone and pace to match the emotions and actions in the story.
Encourage your child to imagine having a unique pet like the potato. Discuss responsibilities and fun activities they would do with their imaginative pet.
After reading, relate the story to your child’s personal experiences, asking them about times they felt similar to characters in the book.
Ask open-ended questions that encourage your child to think critically about the story, cultivating empathy and understanding for the characters’ perspectives.
Highlight the themes of friendship and responsibility in the book and relate them to your child's interactions with friends and family.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: In 'The Pet Potato', the protagonist learns to take care of a pet potato, teaching children about the daily commitments involved in taking care of another being.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by undertaking small responsibilities at home, such as feeding a pet or helping to water plants, fostering a sense of accountability.
Example Lesson: Creativity
Explanation: The story encourages using one's imagination through the unique concept of a potato as a pet, showcasing creative problem solving and play.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to engage in creative activities, such as inventing games or crafting stories, enhancing their imaginative capabilities.
Example Lesson: Friendship
Explanation: The book illustrates the value of companionship, even in the most unlikely scenarios, emphasizing that friendship can come in various forms.
Real-World Application: Kids learn to be open to making friends in different environments and with different kinds of people, broadening their social understanding and empathy.
Example Lesson: Acceptance
Explanation: The protagonist accepting and loving the pet despite its unconventional nature teaches acceptance of differences.
Real-World Application: This promotes inclusivity, helping children to accept and appreciate the differences in others around them, be it at school or in public places.