We Don't Eat our Classmates! : A Penelope Rex Book



Last updated Monday, July 29, 2024

Author: Ryan T. Higgins
Date of Publication: 2018
ISBN: 1368003559
Grade Level: Kindergarten    (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Aug. 2024

Synopsis: It's the first day of school for Penelope Rex, and she can't wait to meet her classmates. But it's hard to make human friends when they're so darn delicious! That is, until Penelope gets a taste of her own medicine and finds she may not be at the top of the food chain after all. . . .

Note to readers:
•  Penelope is a T-Rex. She goes to school with all human children. She is supposed to make friends, but on the first day, she thinks it is a good idea to eat her classmates. Who wouldn't think this is a good idea?

Discussion topics for before reading:
•  What's the difference between eating a classmate and tasting a classmate?
•  What's the one snack you want someone to put in your lunch on your first day of school?

Vocabulary
•  Delicious-something that tastes really good. The fruit roll up was "yummy in my tummy."
•  Snack-a meal you have between breakfast and lunch or lunch and dinner.
•  Chomp-chew. The reader chomped on a carrot last night. I did not chomp on a human. I am not a T-Rex.

Discussion topics for during/after reading:
•  Were you surprised that all Penelope's classmates became her friends?
•  Was it nice of Walter the goldfish to chomp on Penelope?
•  Will you all raise your hand and promise not to chomp on your classmates?

Craft ideas:
•  Have the kids draw an animal that would be representative of them in a classroom? Make them use detail. Does the animal have glasses? Does it have all its teeth etc?
•  Draw the things that you are most excited to bring on your first day of class?

Special activities:
•  Do the dot to dots

*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!