The Wrong Pong
#1 of 4 in The Wrong Pong Series
on Goodreads (30)
What’s inside...
After being yanked down the toilet, Neville Brisket finds himself in the land of Under, where he's mistakenly identified as part of a troll family. As he tries to navigate this strange new world, Neville wonders if he'll ever be able to return to his real home in Over. Throughout his adventures, he faces the prospect of eating unappetizing troll food and deals with a bizarre family, all while hoping to find a way back. This humorously narrated story is perfect for fans of Roald Dahl and Horrid Henry, providing both delight and disgust.
Discussion points
What would you do if you found yourself in a place as strange as Neville did in The Wrong Pong?
How did Neville's feelings change throughout his adventure and why do you think they changed?
How did the friendships Neville made help him in the story? Can you think of a time when a friend helped you?
What did you think about the differences between Neville's world and the world he visits? What would you find most exciting or scary?
If you could create your own pongy world, what would it be like? Who would live there?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to compare and contrast their daily routine with Neville's experiences in the pongy world.
Discuss the importance of friendship and understanding differences, relating them to personal experiences from your child’s life.
Use expressive reading to highlight the humor and surprises in the story, making the reading session enjoyable and lively.
Ask your child to imagine and describe a scene from the book, enhancing their descriptive and creative thinking skills.
Create a fun, relaxed environment for the discussion, perhaps themed around the book, to make the conversation more engaging.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Differences
Explanation: In 'The Wrong Pong', Neville finds himself in a bizarre world different from his own. Throughout his adventure, he learns to embrace and appreciate these differences.
Real-World Application: Children learn to value and respect individuals from diverse backgrounds, promoting inclusivity and empathy in social settings.
Example Lesson: Problem-Solving
Explanation: Neville encounters various challenges in the troll world. His journey teaches him to think on his feet and devise solutions to problems he faces.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to develop critical thinking skills and apply logical reasoning to overcome obstacles in their lives.
Example Lesson: The Importance of Friendship
Explanation: Despite the initial misunderstandings, Neville forms genuine bonds with characters in the troll world. These friendships play a crucial role in his journey.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of building and maintaining friendships, teaching them about loyalty, support, and the power of collaboration.
Example Lesson: Adaptability
Explanation: Thrown into an unfamiliar environment, Neville learns to adapt to his surroundings quickly, demonstrating resilience.
Real-World Application: This lesson prepares children to be flexible and adaptable in changing situations, a necessary skill in everyday life and future challenges.
Example Lesson: Courage
Explanation: Neville shows bravery in facing the unknown and dealing with scary situations in the troll world.
Real-World Application: This illustrates to children the importance of facing fears and the personal growth that comes from stepping out of one's comfort zone.