Toot and Puddle



Last updated Wednesday, February 2, 2005

Author: Holly Hobbie
Illustrator: Holly Hobbie
Date of Publication: 1997
ISBN: 0316365521
Grade Level: 2nd    (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Feb. 2005

Synopsis: (from the publisher) Meet Toot and Puddle--two small, endearing pigs who are friends and as different as different can be. While Toot likes to travel to places unknown, Puddle prefers to stay home and revel in the joys of everyday life. Whimsical postcards capture the excitement of Toot's travels, while scenes of Puddle celebrate mundane moments spent in familiar confines.

Note to readers:
•  This is a book that is told both by the words and the pictures - one way to read is to focus on both - Ask active questions about the pictures - What do you think Toot is doing? What else did he do? What is happening in this picture?

Discussion topics for before reading:
•  Based on the cover of the book, what do you think it?s about? Do you think they are friends? Why?
•  Do you like to stay home or travel? Where would you travel? Where have you been? What would you take with you if you traveled?
•  How do you feel when you leave and friends stay behind?
•  Who is your best friend? What do you have in common? What is different?

Discussion topics for during/after reading:
•  Is it ok to have different interests? Who are you more like, Toot or Puddle? Are they like you and your friends, or different?
•  Map the journey that Toot made.
•  Where would you like to go each month of the year?

Craft ideas:
•  Make a Postcard to Puddle (or to your best friend) from your next adventure.
•  Make pig ears.
•  Make luggage tags for your backpack featuring drawings of places you?d like to go.

Special activities:
•  Play a version of duck, duck, goose called Toot, Toot, Puddle. What should the rules be?

*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions. You can use them, but you don't have to use them. You can expand upon them, or add your own twist. Remember, though, that the focus of your time should not be on the development and execution of a craft; the focus should be on the read-aloud and the enjoyment of the book!