The Pug Who Wanted a Birthday
The Pug Who Wanted to Be Series
on Goodreads (12)
What’s inside...
The heartwarming tale of a pug named Peggy who wishes for the perfect birthday celebration, navigating a series of doggy adventures and learning valuable life lessons about friendship, family, and what really matters in life. Peggy's best friend, Chloe, is planning a big birthday celebration for her friend's dog, and Peggy can't wait to join in the fun and games. There's so much to do before the big day! But when Peggy realizes that she doesn't have a birthday of her own, she can't help feeling a bit left out. Especially since Chloe is keeping secrets about the party plans. Could Peggy be in for a big surprise? This latest Peggy the Pug story features super cute illustrations throughout and fun shiny foil on the cover. This would make the perfect birthday gift or party bag filler for all Peggy fans and dog lovers!
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
6-9
Length
160 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the pug felt when he realized he might not get a birthday celebration?
How do you celebrate your birthday and what makes it special for you?
Why do you think it's important for everyone to feel celebrated on their birthday?
If you were the pug's friend, what would you have done to make his birthday special?
How do you think the story would change if the pug never wanted a birthday?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, ask your child what they know about pugs and birthday parties to gauge their existing knowledge and get them excited about the themes in the book.
Pause at key moments in the story to ask your child how they think the pug feels, promoting empathy and understanding.
After reading, relate the story to your child’s experiences by discussing their past birthdays and what made them memorable.
Encourage your child to imagine alternative endings or what they would do in a similar situation, fostering creative thinking.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of patience
Explanation: The pug in the story eagerly awaits its birthday celebration, which teaches children the value of being patient for special events.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by understanding the importance of waiting for special occasions or events such as holidays or family gatherings.
Example Lesson: Understanding and expressing feelings
Explanation: Throughout the book, the pug encounters various situations that make him feel excited, sad, and happy. This helps children learn to identify and express their own emotions.
Real-World Application: Kids can reflect on their feelings and communicate them effectively with peers and adults in situations like starting a new school year or dealing with a disagreement with a friend.
Example Lesson: Empathy and kindness
Explanation: The pug interacts with other characters who also have needs and desires. This interaction demonstrates the importance of considering others' feelings.
Real-World Application: Children can practice empathy by being considerate and kind to classmates and siblings, especially when they notice someone feeling down or in need of help.
Example Lesson: Value of friendships
Explanation: The pug receives support from his friends while awaiting his birthday which shows how valuable friendships can be.
Real-World Application: This stresses the importance of nurturing friendships through acts of kindness and spending time together, which children can practice at school or during playdates.
Example Lesson: Celebrating milestones
Explanation: The story revolves around the celebration of the pug's birthday, highlighting the significance of observing and cherishing life's milestones.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to appreciate and celebrate their own milestones, such as losing a first tooth, learning a new skill, or moving up a grade.