You Can't Play with Us, Pete!
illustrations by
What’s inside...
Pete, a young penguin, feels left out when he isn't allowed to join in the games with other penguins. With determination and the help of some new friends, Pete learns valuable lessons about friendship and self-acceptance. In a separate situation, Pete tries to join in and play with other dinosaurs, but he finds that his little arms make this difficult for him. Will he find a game he can play?
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did Pete feel when he was told he couldn't play with the others? Can you think of a time you felt the same way?
What do you think is a good way to include everyone in a game?
Why is it important to play together and share with our friends?
How would you have helped Pete if you were one of the other characters in the book?
What did the characters learn by the end of the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Ask your child to relate the story to their own experiences at school or with friends, fostering empathy and connection.
Encourage your child to describe different emotions Pete might have felt using expressive words, enhancing their emotional vocabulary.
Discuss the importance of inclusiveness and teamwork, linking them to everyday activities or other stories they know.
Prompt your child to imagine alternate endings for the book where Pete helps solve the issue, stimulating their problem-solving and creative thinking.
Highlight the book’s message about friendship and cooperation, reinforcing these values during your child's interactions with peers.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Inclusivity
Explanation: The story illustrates the importance of including everyone, no matter their differences, as Pete is initially excluded from games due to his uniqueness.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to embrace diversity in their classrooms and playgrounds, making sure no one feels left out because of their differences.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: Through the narrative, children see the world from Pete's perspective, understanding his feelings of rejection and sadness when he is not allowed to play.
Real-World Application: This lesson promotes understanding and sharing the feelings of others, encouraging children to be considerate and kind towards their peers' emotions.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: Pete demonstrates resilience by continuing to engage and staying positive even when he is facing rejection from his peers.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by not giving up in the face of setbacks and by maintaining a positive outlook during challenging situations in school or in friendships.
Example Lesson: Conflict Resolution
Explanation: As the story progresses, characters learn to communicate and resolve their differences, leading to a better understanding among them.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children effective communication skills, helping them to peacefully solve disputes and build stronger relationships with others.
Example Lesson: Self-worth
Explanation: Despite the initial exclusion, Pete learns to value himself and recognize his own worth, which is pivotal for his self-esteem.
Real-World Application: It encourages children to appreciate their unique qualities and strengths, fostering a positive self-image and confidence in their abilities.