Trixie and the Cyber Pet (Petsitters Club)
#6 in The Pet Finders Club Series
on Goodreads (10)
What’s inside...
Sam, Jo, Matthew, and Katie are part of the Petsitters Club, a community service started as a school-related project. They are tasked with petsitting two dogs while Mrs. Potter-Bunn goes to Paris - one real dog named Trixie-Belle and one electronic dog named Henry. As they navigate the challenges of looking after both dogs, they discover the unique differences between a real pet and an electronic one. The story captures their adventures and mishaps as they try to keep both pets happy and safe.
Discussion points
What do you think Trixie learned about responsibility from taking care of a cyber pet?
How do you think having a pet, even a virtual one, can change the way we feel or act?
Why is it important to understand the needs and feelings of others, even if they are not real animals?
What would you do if you were in Trixie's place when facing challenges with the cyber pet?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine having their own cyber pet and discuss the responsibilities involved. Use the story to draw parallels with real-life situations, fostering empathy and responsibility. Ask them to consider how characters in the book might feel in various situations, enhancing their emotional understanding. End the conversation by brainstorming creative ways to solve problems, just like Trixie, which promotes critical thinking and resilience.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Trixie takes on the task of caring for a cyber pet, demonstrating the importance of being responsible for another's well-being.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by taking on small, manageable tasks at home, such as caring for a pet or maintaining their own space.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: Throughout the book, Trixie encounters various challenges in managing the cyber pet, and she must think creatively to solve them.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to approach problems in their daily lives with a calm and creative mindset, looking for solutions rather than feeling overwhelmed.
Example Lesson: The value of friendship
Explanation: The story highlights the strength of the bond between members of the Petsitters Club as they work together to care for the cyber pet.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of supporting their friends and working together to overcome challenges, reinforcing positive social interactions.
Example Lesson: Adaptability
Explanation: Trixie learns to adapt to the unique needs of the cyber pet, emphasizing the importance of flexibility in new situations.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of adapting to different environments or requirements, such as adjusting to new school settings or routines.
Example Lesson: Technology Awareness
Explanation: The concept of a cyber pet introduces children to the idea of technology and its role in daily life, fostering an early interest and understanding.
Real-World Application: This lesson prepares children to interact with technology responsibly and with curiosity, which is essential in today's tech-centric world.