Tugg and Teeny (I AM A READER!: Tugg and Teeny Book 1)
#1 in Tugg and Teeny Series
What’s inside...
Tugg, a gorilla, and Teeny, a monkey, are best friends who live together in their jungle neighborhood, Sidekick Thicket. As different as night and day, they support each other through life's challenges. In this beginning chapter book series, Teeny tries new things like becoming a musician, an artist, and a poet with Tugg's encouragement and support. The series follows their quirky adventures and the help they provide each other. The books are authored by J. Patrick Lewis and illustrated by Christopher Denise.
Discussion points
What do you think makes Tugg and Teeny such good friends despite being so different?
How do you think Teeny felt when she tried new things? Can you relate to her feelings?
What lesson did Tugg learn about friendship by the end of the story?
If you could create your own adventure for Tugg and Teeny, what would it be about?
How do you think the jungle helps Tugg and Teeny learn new things? Can you think of places that help you learn?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts about the characters' behaviors and choices, relating them to their own experiences.
Ask your child to draw parallels between the lessons learned in the book and their own life, reinforcing the themes of friendship, curiosity, and acceptance.
Promote empathy by discussing how Tugg and Teeny might have felt during key moments in the story, deepening your child’s understanding of emotions.
Use the story as a basis to discuss the value of trying new things and making new friends, encouraging your child to share personal feelings and concerns about similar experiences.
Encourage your child to imagine and share what might happen next in Tugg and Teeny's adventures, fostering creativity and storytelling skills.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Friendship and Cooperation
Explanation: Tugg and Teeny showcase the importance of working together and supporting each other despite differences.
Real-World Application: Children learn to collaborate with others, appreciating individual strengths to achieve common goals.
Example Lesson: Problem-Solving
Explanation: Through their adventures, Tugg and Teeny encounter various challenges which they solve using creativity and teamwork.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to think critically and creatively when faced with obstacles in school or play.
Example Lesson: Acceptance and Diversity
Explanation: The story emphasizes the beauty of diversity as Tugg and Teeny befriend animals of different species.
Real-World Application: Kids learn to embrace and respect differences among peers, fostering a more inclusive environment.
Example Lesson: The Joy of Reading
Explanation: Teeny's love for reading in the story introduces children to the excitement and adventure books can offer.
Real-World Application: This can inspire a lifelong passion for reading, enhancing literacy and imagination.