The Poodle Problem
#1 in Puppy Problem Series
on Goodreads (40)
What’s inside...
Nine-year-old Pippa Peppercorn loves helping out at the beauty salon in Crumbly-Under-Edge, run by Mrs Semolina Ribena Fudge. The salon is a cozy place where customers and their pets come for tea and a trim. However, when rival beautician Trinity Meddler arrives in town and threatens to steal customers with a sinister plan involving poodles, Mrs. Fudge's business is at risk. Fortunately, Dash the talking dachshund and Pippa team up to uncover Trinity's plan and save the day.
Discussion points
What do you think Poppy could do to solve her problem with the poodles?
How did you feel when Poppy faced challenges? Have you ever felt the same way?
What would you have done differently if you were in Poppy's shoes?
Can you think of other ways to help someone who is having a problem like Poppy’s?
Why is it important to be kind and patient, just like Poppy?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate their personal experiences to Poppy’s situations, enhancing their empathy and problem-solving skills.
Discuss the importance of persistence and kindness, as demonstrated by Poppy, reinforcing these values in your child.
Ask your child to imagine alternative solutions to Poppy's problems, boosting their creativity and critical thinking.
Use expressive reading to highlight emotions in the story, helping your child understand and connect with the characters’ feelings.
Praise your child’s responses to build their confidence in expressing thoughts and opinions about stories and real-life situations.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: In 'The Poodle Problem', the protagonist faces challenges with her pet poodle and strategically devises plans to address them.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to tackle difficulties they encounter at school or home by thinking critically and developing solutions.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: The story emphasizes the importance of taking care of pets, showcasing daily tasks like feeding and grooming.
Real-World Application: Kids are encouraged to take on responsibilities, whether it’s caring for a family pet or managing their personal belongings.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: The main character learns to understand and share the feelings of her poodle when it is in distress.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children appreciate the perspectives and feelings of others, improving their interactions and friendships.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: Despite facing repeated setbacks, the protagonist persists and eventually succeeds in solving the problem with her poodle.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of persistence in achieving goals, whether in academics, sports, or personal hobbies.
Example Lesson: Creativity
Explanation: The solutions to the poodle’s problems are often imaginative, showcasing the power of creative thinking.
Real-World Application: Enhances children's ability to think outside the box and apply creative solutions to their own challenges.