The Runaway Pancake: (First Reading Level 4)
Usborne young reading. Series four
What’s inside...
The story follows a mischievous pancake who escapes from the frying pan and leads a merry chase as various characters try to catch it. The pancake meets many adventures and challenges along the way, teaching young readers about cunning and wit. When seven hungry children have pancakes for breakfast, one pancake refuses to be eaten, jumps out of the pan and rolls right away. Can the runaway pancake escape from the whole family?
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
6-8
Length
48 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
The Pancake
Mother
Fox
The Seven Children
Discussion points
Why do you think the pancake decided to run away?
How did the different characters react when they met the pancake?
What would you have done if you were one of the characters chasing the pancake?
What do you think is the moral of the story?
How do you feel about the ending of the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think about the feelings and reactions of each character by asking them to describe what they might be thinking or feeling in each scene.
Ask follow-up questions that prompt your child to think about their own choices and actions if faced with a similar situation as the characters in the story.
Discuss the theme of consequences and choices made by the pancake and other characters.
Praise your child's responses to cultivate an open and expressive discussion environment.
Relate the story to real-life events or decisions to help your child connect the story's messages to their own experiences.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Problem-solving and resourcefulness
Explanation: Throughout the story, the pancake encounters various challenges and must think quickly to evade the characters that pursue it.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to think on their feet and use their surroundings to their advantage when faced with challenges.
Example Lesson: Consequences of actions
Explanation: The pancake runs away from those who helped make it without understanding the consequences, leading to various adventures and troubles.
Real-World Application: This can teach children to consider the effects of their choices and the potential impact on themselves and others before acting.
Example Lesson: Importance of being cautious with strangers
Explanation: The Runaway Pancake meets various characters who seem friendly but have their own agendas. It illustrates the importance of being cautious about who to trust.
Real-World Application: This lesson highlights the importance of children being careful in deciding whom to trust, especially in unfamiliar situations.
Example Lesson: Listening to advice
Explanation: Different characters offer advice to the pancake, which it initially ignores, leading to its peril.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the value of listening to guidance from trusted adults or friends, especially concerning safety and making wise decisions.