About This Book
In Cynthia Lord's heartwarming chapter book, 'Jelly Bean,' second-grader Suzannah finds her passion and builds self-confidence by volunteering at an animal shelter. Unable to have pets at home, Suzannah dedicates her time to caring for the shelter animals. The story centers on her mission to find a loving home for Jelly Bean, a guinea pig whose family is moving. This gentle narrative explores themes of responsibility, empathy, friendship, and the joy of helping others, making it an ideal read for children aged 6-9 who are developing their independence and sense of purpose.
No pets are allowed in the apartment where Suzannah and her family live, so she volunteers at a local pet shelter and plays with the dogs and cats there--but when a child whose family is moving brings in her pet guinea pig, Jelly Bean, Suzannah promises that she will find him the perfect home. Second-grader Suzannah volunteers at her local animal shelter, gaining confidence as she and her new friends help different animals find their forever homes. Book #1
Discussion Prompts
1
Why do you think Suzannah felt nervous at first about volunteering? How did she become more confident?
2
What are some ways Suzannah showed responsibility in the story?
3
If you volunteered at an animal shelter, what kind of animal would you most want to help and why?
4
Why is it important for pets like Jelly Bean to find a 'forever home'?
5
How did Suzannah's new friends at the shelter help her?
External Reviews
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