Arnie, the Doughnut (Adventures of Arnie the Doughnut)



Last updated Sunday, January 31, 2021

Author: Laurie Keller
Date of Publication: 2003
ISBN: 0805062831
Grade Level: 2nd    (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Jan. 2021

Synopsis: At first glance, Arnie looks like an average doughnut - round, cakey, with a hole in the middle, iced and sprinkled. He was made by one of the best bakeries in town, and admittedly his sprinkles are candy-colored. Still, a doughnut is just a doughnut, right? WRONG! Not if Arnie has anything to say about it. And, for a doughnut, he sure seems to have an awful lot to say. Can Arnie change the fate of all doughnuts - or at least have a hand in his own future? Well, you'll just have to read this funny story and find out for yourself.

Note to readers:
•  There are lots of puns and jokes, especially on side-notes. You might have to zoom in to see some of the smaller print. If you have time, you might want to read those, too. Enjoy!

Discussion topics for before reading:
•  What type of doughnut is Arnie?
•  What is your favorite type of doughnut?
•  Why does it say, "Cooked up by Laurie Keller" on the cover? (instead of written by)

Vocabulary

•  cruller - Cruller definition, a rich, light cake cut from a rolled dough and deep-fried, usually having a twisted oblong shape and sometimes topped with sugar or icing.
•  fascinated - to attract and hold attentively by a unique power, personal charm, unusual nature, or some other special quality.
•  whisk away - to move, carry, etc, with a light or rapid sweeping motion.
•  inseparable - seemingly always together.

Discussion topics for during/after reading:
•  If Mr. Bing eats one doughnut every morning, how many days would it take to eat 100?
•  If you had a pet doughnut (doughnut-dog), what would you name him/her?
•  Which idea from Arnie's list do you think is the best? Which idea from Mr. Bing's list?

Craft ideas:
•  Draw your favorite type of doughnut, dessert or snack. Make it as colorful as you like, by pasting more shapes and sizes on top. Or glue a cotton ball on top to look like whipped cream.
•  Check our craft ideas on Pinterest!
https://www.pinterest.com/readingtokids/january-2021-mysteries-new-adventures/

*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!