Reading for Life Part 3 - Books that Promote Boundaries and Expectations

1. Martha Walks the Dog, by Susan Meddaugh. When Bob, a common dog, moves into the neighborhood, Martha discovers with a little help how powerful words can be to build someone up . . . or hurt their feelings.
• How can you be kind to other people even when they’re mean?
• How does it feel when people are mean to you? Or nice to you?

2. Brave Irene, by William Steig. Irene’s mother finished sewing a beautiful ballgown for the duchess, but she was too sick to deliver it. Irene took on the task, and trekked through wind and snow to reach the palace on her adventure of courage and responsibility.
• What is something that you had to work really hard to accomplish?
• Why is it important to finish the things we say we will do?

3. Small Green Snake, by Libba Moore Gray. A little adventurous snake learns a hard lesson about disobedience when his curiosity lands him in a child’s jelly jar. It’s fun to go exploring, isn’t it?
• Why is it important to obey your parents’ and teachers’ rules about exploring?

4. Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse, by Kevin Henkes. Lilly couldn’t wait to show her new toys to her class at school, and it got her into a little trouble. This creative tale teaches the importance of obedience, apologies and forgiveness.
• Have you ever gotten in trouble for doing something out of turn? Have you ever said something that wasn’t very nice?
• What are some good ways we can apologize and remember to use our manners?

5. The Tale of Peter Rabbit, by Beatrix Potter, illustrated by Michael Hague. Peter’s mom left the bunnies with one word of caution, which Peter ignored in light of his hungry belly. He quickly learned that disobedience can bring big trouble.
• Have you ever gotten in trouble for disobeying?
• Can you think of some rules that are very important for you to follow?

6. Make Way for Ducklings, by Robert McCloskey. This classic story tells about the adventures of Mr. and Mrs. Mallard’s family of ducks on the Charles River in Boston.
• How did the ducks stay safe? Who helps keep you safe?

7. The Chocolate-Covered-Cookie Tantrum, by Deborah Blumenthal. Sophie learned the hard way that tantrums are not the secret to getting what we want in life.
• Have you ever thrown a tantrum? Do moms/dads/teachers like it when you throw tantrums?
• What’s the right way to say that you want something?

8. Pete’s a Pizza, by William Steig. Pete’s in a bad mood because he can’t play outside on a rainy day. His parents come to the rescue with a creative game of making pizza. Pete’s father pretends that PETE is the pizza, and they have a wonderful afternoon of drama.
• Have you ever turned a dreary day into a fun day by just changing your expectations?
• What silly games do your family and friends play?