The World's Worst Pets
#6 of 2 in World'S Worst Series
What’s inside...
The World's Worst Pets by David Walliams is a collection of stories about some of the most troublesome pets, filled with eccentric and hilarious traits. These whimsical tales showcase a variety of animals causing chaos for their owners. Illustrated by Adam Stower, this collection will have readers laughing out loud and looking at pets differently. From Houdini, the magician's rabbit, to Furp, the monstrous goldfish, these ten tales of astonishing creatures promise sheer entertainment and surprise.
Discussion points
What do you think makes a pet 'the worst'? How do you think the pets feel about being called that?
If you could have any of the pets from the book, which one would you choose and why?
How do the owners handle the challenges their pets bring? What would you do differently?
Which pet's story was your favorite and what did you learn from it?
How do you think the book would change if it was about the world's best pets? What kinds of stories would be in it?
Tip: Role play these questions
Emphasize the humor and playful tone of the book to keep the discussion light and engaging.
Relate the stories to your child's experiences with pets or animals, asking if they have observed similar funny or challenging behaviors.
Encourage your child to imagine having one of the ‘worst’ pets and ask them how they would handle various situations presented in the book.
Discuss the emotions and reactions of both the pets and the owners, fostering empathy and understanding towards handling difficult situations.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: The story illustrates the importance of responsibility through characters who must care for their unusual pets.
Real-World Application: Children learn the significance of daily duties and caring for others, applicable in tasks such as pet care, chores, and teamwork.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: As characters interact with their unique pets, they learn to understand and share the feelings of another, highlighting the value of empathy.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to consider the feelings of friends and family, fostering a supportive and empathetic environment at home and school.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: The book showcases characters solving unexpected challenges posed by their quirky pets, promoting problem-solving skills.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply these skills in overcoming obstacles in schoolwork and social situations, enhancing their ability to navigate challenges.
Example Lesson: Creativity
Explanation: Dealing with the world's worst pets requires creative solutions, which encourages thinking outside the box.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to use their imagination in play, projects, and interactions, leading to innovative thinking and solutions.