What was hard for P.J. to learn? What was hard for Puppy to learn?

This is a discussion prompt for P.J. & Puppy by Cathryn Falwell. Use it to spark conversation with your child after reading.

How did P.J. and Puppy help each other feel better when learning something new?

This is a discussion prompt for P.J. & Puppy by Cathryn Falwell. Use it to spark conversation with your child after reading.

What new things are you learning right now? Is it easy or hard?

This is a discussion prompt for P.J. & Puppy by Cathryn Falwell. Use it to spark conversation with your child after reading.

How do you feel when you finally learn something that was tricky?

This is a discussion prompt for P.J. & Puppy by Cathryn Falwell. Use it to spark conversation with your child after reading.

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P.J. & Puppy

Name: P.J. & Puppy
ISBN: 9780395569184

by Cathryn Falwell

Join P.J. and a new puppy as they both navigate the challenges of learning where to go in this relatable story about potty training and pet care.

About This Book

A young child learns to use the potty while the new puppy learns to use the papers.

Concepts

Self-Confidence & Identity Resilience & Perseverance Love & Family Empathy & Kindness Friendship & Loyalty Joy & Gratitude Potty Training New Sibling Growing Up Dogs Animals Family & Siblings

Wonderlit Review

P.J. & Puppy offers a sweet, relatable narrative for young children navigating the significant milestone of potty training. The book cleverly parallels P.J.'s journey with a new puppy learning to use papers, creating a gentle and non-judgmental atmosphere around the learning process. This approach normalizes the ups and downs of acquiring a new skill, showing that everyone, even a new pet, takes time and practice to master things. The emotional arc is consistently gentle and hopeful, focusing on perseverance and the joy of success. This book is specifically for children aged 3-6 who are either beginning potty training, struggling with it, or simply need reassurance about learning new things. A parent would reach for this book when their child is showing readiness for potty training, experiencing frustration, or when a new pet is joining the family, offering a comforting story to share. Parents might want to preview the book to discuss the concept of 'accidents' and how they are a normal part of learning. Younger children (3-4) will enjoy the read-aloud aspect and the simple, repetitive structure, while slightly older children (5-6) might appreciate the parallel learning narrative and the sense of accomplishment. What makes this book different is its dual-learning storyline, which provides a unique way to frame the challenges and triumphs of developmental milestones, making it less about 'just' potty training and more about shared growth and patience.