Classroom Read-Aloud of the Month: Ferocious Fluffity

The kids in Room 2-D have an adorable new class pet, but looks can be deceiving. When Fluffity is let out of her cage without Mr. Drake present, beware! She’ll “bite them. Bite them. Bite them all.” Ferocious Fluffity: A Mighty Bite-y Class Pet by Erica S. Perl and illustrated by Henry Cole is pure rhyming fun and guaranteed to get elementary students laughing. It’s one of my favorite picture books to read aloud at the beginning of the school year, as the silly hijinks help capture the attention of new students. 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.

Introducing Ferocious Fluffity to Students

Set the stage before reading the book aloud with an introduction like this:

“If your teacher walked in with a box with holes in it and said you have a new class pet – what kind of pet could it be or would you want it to be?… Well, that happens in this book. Based on the cover, do you think Fluffity is a cute and snuggly pet or one that will chase you down the hall and bite you? Let’s find out…”

OR

“When I say the word ‘ferocious,’ what animals come to mind? What about hamsters? Do they seem ferocious? Well then, you’ve never met Fluffity. Don’t be fooled by the cute hamster on this book’s cover. Do you see her breaking that pencil? Next, she could break you. Do you think the class in this book will have what it takes to tame this beast? Let’s find out…”

Ferocious Fluffity Discussion Questions

Here are some follow-up questions for further engagement:

1. What did you think? Thumbs up or thumbs down for Ferocious Fluffity? Why?
2. What was the lesson in this book?
3. What would you have done differently if you were a kid in Room 2-D?
4. On page 1, the students listed potential names for their new class pet, and the name “Fluffity” was chosen as the winner. Some of the other names listed include Hamsty, Princess Sparkle, and Spike. What other names would have been suitable for a hamster?
5. How do you think Jake the Snake will do in Room 2-D?
6. If you could have any class pet, what would it be?

Ferocious Fluffity 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 scene from the story OR their dream class pet.

For Grades 2-3

Challenge students to write Jake’s story. What do you think will happen in Room 2-D now that Jake has arrived? You can also download, print, and distribute author Erica S. Perl’s Writing Prompt.

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.

Ferocious Fluffity Read-Alikes

If your readers loved Ferocious Fluffity, they will also enjoy:

Visit The Youth Desk’s Outreach page for more great classroom read-alouds and tips.

Did you try Ferocious Fluffity? Please share how it went in the comments!