We Will Rock Our Classmates: A Penelope Rex Book
#3 of 10 in Mother Bruce Series
on Goodreads (2,882)
What’s inside...
In this sequel to the #1 New York Times bestseller 'We Don't Eat Our Classmates', Penelope Rex, everyone's favourite dinosaur, is excited to perform in the school talent show. However, as the event approaches, she becomes nervous seeing her classmates' outstanding performances and doubts her own abilities. With support from her friends and newfound determination, Penelope overcomes her fears and discovers her true potential. This inspiring story captures the challenges and rewards of sharing one's true self, reflecting themes of friendship and self-confidence.
Character compass
Penelope Rex
Daddy Rex
Mrs. Noodle
Discussion points
How do you think Penelope felt when she wanted to show her classmates her true self? Can you relate to her feelings?
What does this story teach us about friendship and accepting others?
Why is it important to share our talents and interests with others?
How did Penelope’s classmates change their behavior by the end of the book?
If you were Penelope, what would you have done differently in the talent show?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings and thoughts about the story, relating it to their own experiences at school or with friends.
Discuss the themes of acceptance and courage with your child, emphasizing the value of being oneself and respecting others.
Use Penelope's experiences to teach your child about empathy and understanding different perspectives.
Ask your child to imagine they are another character in the book, and encourage them to think about how they would react to Penelope’s talent show performance.
After reading, engage in a creative activity where your child can showcase their own unique talent, reinforcing the message of the book.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Confidence building
Explanation: Penelope Rex learns to overcome her self-doubt and fears about showcasing her talents to her classmates.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by recognizing their own unique abilities and feeling confident in expressing themselves in school presentations or other group settings.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: Through interactions with her classmates, Penelope learns to understand and share the feelings of others, which helps her build friendships.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of considering others' feelings and perspectives, which can help them in developing stronger, empathetic relationships with peers.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: Despite initial setbacks, Penelope continues to pursue her interest in playing the guitar, showing resilience.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to persist in their pursuits, whether academic or extracurricular, even when they face challenges.
Example Lesson: Inclusivity
Explanation: The story highlights how Penelope and her classmates learn to accept each other's differences and work together harmoniously.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand the value of inclusivity and teamwork, fostering a cooperative spirit in diverse group settings.
Example Lesson: Courage to be oneself
Explanation: Penelope embraces her uniqueness and shows courage by presenting her true self to others, which is rewarded with acceptance and friendship.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to be authentic and proud of who they are, which is crucial for their personal development and self-esteem.