You Cannot Play with Us, Pete!
#7 of 63 in Pete the Cat Series
illustrations by
What’s inside...
In 'You Cannot Play with Us, Pete!' by Sophie Hibberd, young readers meet Pete, a lively penguin who feels left out when he can't join in the games his friends are playing. Through vibrant illustrations and engaging text, the story explores themes of friendship, inclusion, and resilience as Pete learns to navigate social challenges and discovers the power of self-acceptance. A heartwarming tale, this book not only entertains but also provides valuable lessons on empathy and how to deal with feelings of exclusion.
Discussion points
How did you feel when Pete was told he couldn't play with the others?
What do you think Pete could have done differently?
Why do you think it's important to include everyone in our games?
How would you help a friend who was feeling left out like Pete?
Can you think of a time when you felt like Pete and how you handled it?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use a warm and open tone to encourage your child to express their emotions and thoughts freely.
Relate the situations in the book to real-life scenarios your child might encounter to help them connect with Pete's experiences.
Praise your child’s responses to reinforce positive thinking and empathy towards others.
Encourage your child to consider different perspectives by asking what they think other characters in the book might be feeling.
Keep the conversation light and supportive, ensuring your child feels safe to express their feelings and ideas.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Inclusivity
Explanation: The story demonstrates the importance of inclusivity through the character Pete, who initially is left out by other children. As the narrative progresses, the children learn to include Pete in their games, showcasing the positive impacts of accepting and valuing everyone.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by ensuring no one is left out during playtime or group activities at school, fostering an environment of acceptance and belonging.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: Pete's feelings of loneliness and exclusion help readers understand the emotions associated with being left out. The empathy developed by other characters towards Pete highlights the importance of considering others' feelings.
Real-World Application: This lesson can be applied in a child’s everyday life by encouraging them to notice if someone seems lonely or sad and to approach and support them, enhancing their emotional intelligence.
Example Lesson: Resolving Conflicts
Explanation: The book explores conflict resolution when the children find a way to include Pete in their games, solving the initial problem of exclusion and misunderstanding.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to address disagreements or misunderstandings among peers by talking it out and finding a common ground, promoting peaceful interactions.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: By the end of the book, all children collaborate and play together, illustrating the value of teamwork. This cooperation leads to more enjoyable and inclusive play experiences for the group.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to work collaboratively in team settings, be it in sports, school projects, or other group activities, emphasizing the benefits of collective effort.
Example Lesson: Self-Advocacy
Explanation: Pete learns to express his feelings about feeling excluded, which is a crucial aspect of self-advocacy. By communicating his emotions, Pete helps others understand his perspective.
Real-World Application: Children can use this lesson to speak up about their feelings or when they need help, fostering a sense of autonomy and confidence in expressing themselves.