The Pinkish, Purplish, Bluish Egg (Sandpiper Books)
on Goodreads (599)
What’s inside...
The Pinkish, Purplish, Bluish Egg is a children's book by Bill Peet that tells the story of a large, colorful egg found by a mother squirrel. Unsure of what kind of egg it is, various animals speculate about the creature inside. The mother squirrel decides to take care of the egg until it hatches, protecting it from the elements and predators. Eventually, the egg hatches to reveal a baby dragon. The dragon becomes friends with the woodland creatures, and as it grows, it helps them in return by performing tasks such as clearing the forest of boulders and scaring away hunters. The book conveys themes of kindness, nurturing, and the unexpected rewards of caring for others.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
46 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the pinkish, purplish, bluish egg symbolizes?
How do you feel about the way the characters reacted to the mysterious egg?
What would you do if you found a similar egg?
Can you imagine another ending for the story? What would it be?
How do the colors in the book make you feel?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to use their imagination to connect with the story. Ask them to describe the egg using their own creative adjectives. Discuss the characters' emotions and relate them to real-life situations your child might encounter. This helps in developing empathy and understanding perspectives.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Acceptance of Differences
Explanation: The story portrays how the bird, despite being different in color and behavior from other geese, is accepted and loved by its mother. This teaches children the beauty of diversity and acceptance.
Real-World Application: Children learn to embrace and appreciate the differences among their peers, fostering an inclusive environment at school and in other social settings.
Example Lesson: Patience
Explanation: The mother goose waits patiently for the egg to hatch, demonstrating the virtue of patience.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to develop patience in their daily activities, whether it's waiting for their turn, or understanding that some things take time to accomplish.
Example Lesson: Courage
Explanation: The bird demonstrates courage when it tries to adapt to its surroundings and find its place in the world despite being different.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to be brave when facing new or challenging situations in school or while interacting with others.
Example Lesson: Family Bonds
Explanation: The protective nature of the mother goose towards her unusual egg underlines the importance of family support and unconditional love.
Real-World Application: This story can reinforce the importance of family bonds and support, teaching children to value and rely on family members during challenging times.