Elementary Read Aloud of the Month: It Started with a P
King Liam dreamed his birthday was ruined by something starting with the letter P. Unfortunately, he can’t remember what it was, so all things from princesses to pizza and pants must go! It Started with a P by Brittany Pomales and illustrated by Andrew Joyner is guaranteed to get elementary students laughing and seeing the pesky downside of tantrums and overreactions. Use these discussion questions during your next school outreach event, classroom party, elementary book club, or book party for even more fun. For preschool through grade 3.
Setting the Stage
Here is an intro blurb to set the stage before reading the book aloud:
“If you learned in a nightmare that something that starts with the letter P will ruin your birthday, but you can’t remember what it is, what would you do? Well, if you were a king, then you’d have the power to ban all things that start with P just to be safe. Do you think that’s a good idea? Let’s find out!”
It Started with a P Discussion Questions
Here are some follow-up questions for further engagement:
- What did you think? Thumbs up or thumbs down for It Started with a P? Why?
- Do you think King Liam made the right choice in banning all the P items from his kingdom? Why or why not?
- What would you have done differently?
- What P item do you think was the worst to ban or the most surprising?
- Did you know that most authors don’t get to pick who illustrates their books?! What did you think of the illustrations?
- Author Brittanny Pomales shared in an interview with the #SeasonsofKidLit Blog that her favorite spread in the book is “the one where the people are packed in the paddle boats. Something about the duck paddle boat feels so unexpected to me that I can’t help but smile every time I see it.” What was your favorite illustration?
It Started with a P Take Home Activity
Providing an extension activity for students to enjoy after you leave will cement your visit in their minds and increase the likelihood that caregivers become aware of the library. A worksheet that doubles as a promotional flyer works wonders! On the front of your sheet, provide instructions for the following activities:
For Grades K-1
Provide a blank sheet to draw a picture of their favorite thing from the story that starts with the letter P.
For Grades 2-3
Challenge students to pick their favorite letter of the alphabet (or the first letter in their name) and write a list of things King Liam could have banned if the story had been based on that letter instead of the letter P.
On the back of the sheet, include a note for parents and caregivers with your library’s contact information, read-alikes for the story you read, and a list of upcoming library events tailored to their age group.
A Word of Warning
Do NOT ask students to raise their hand and tell you OTHER things that begin with the letter P. I know you’ll be tempted. I know it sounds like fun. I know it sounds like an obvious way to extend the reading experience. But I also know elementary students. Don’t do it!
It Started with a P Read-Alikes
If your readers loved It Started with a P, they will also enjoy:
Visit The Youth Desk’s Outreach page for more great classroom read-alouds and tips.
