Pennygirl's Rescue: Fun Activity Ideas

Create a cozy, no-sew fleece blanket for a favorite stuffed animal or family pet to represent the safety and warmth Pennygirl found in her forever home. Discussion Tip: While working, ask your child 'Pennygirl felt scared at the shelter; what things at home make you feel safe and warm like this blanket?'

Instructions:

1. Read the story together and talk about how Pennygirl’s feelings changed when she found a safe place to sleep.

2. Cut two matching squares of fleece fabric (about 12x12 inches for a stuffed animal).

3. Cut small fringe slits about 2 inches deep all the way around the edges of both squares while they are stacked.

4. Show your child how to tie the top fringe piece to the bottom fringe piece using a simple double knot.

5. Continue tying all around the perimeter until the two sheets are joined into one cozy blanket.

6. Place the blanket in a special spot for a pet or toy and discuss the importance of having a safe 'forever home'.

You will need:

• Book and read along

• Fleece fabric scraps

• Fabric scissors

Craft a set of wearable dog ears that can be 'positioned' to show different emotions like Pennygirl felt—sad, scared, or happy. Discussion Tip: Ask your child, 'How do you think Pennygirl’s ears looked when she was missing her siblings versus when she met her new family?'

Instructions:

1. Look at the illustrations in the book and notice how Pennygirl’s ears and face change based on her mood.

2. Cut out two long, floppy ear shapes from the construction paper.

3. Fold the top inch of the paper ears over the headband and glue them down so they hang like dog ears.

4. Help your child draw 'happy' eyes on one side of the ears and 'worried' eyes on the headband part.

5. Encourage your child to move the ears (perked up for happy, drooping for sad) while acting out scenes from the book.

6. Use this as a tool to practice identifying how they are feeling throughout the day.

You will need:

• Book and read along

• Construction paper

• Plain headbands

• Glue stick

Assemble a kindness box for a local animal shelter to learn about community helpers and animal advocacy. Discussion Tip: Talk about the Niagara Dog Rescue in the book and ask 'What kind of things do you think would make a lonely dog at the shelter feel more loved?'

Instructions:

1. Discuss the role of animal shelter workers and foster families mentioned in the story.

2. Find a clean cardboard box and let your child decorate the outside with drawings of Pennygirl and hearts.

3. Gather gently used towels or old clean t-shirts from around the house to serve as bedding.

4. Add a few dog toys or tennis balls to the box.

5. Write a small 'Get Well' or 'Good Luck' card to a future rescue dog to practice empathy.

6. Research a local shelter together and plan a trip to drop off your donations, explaining how this help makes a difference.

You will need:

• Book and read along

• Recycled cardboard box

• Old towels or t-shirts

• Tennis balls

Plant fast-growing seeds in egg cartons to witness how care and kindness lead to growth, mirroring Pennygirl’s journey. Discussion Tip: While planting, say 'Just like these seeds need water and sun to grow, Pennygirl needed love and a home to feel brave again.'

Instructions:

1. Cut the lid off an empty paper egg carton to create a planting tray.

2. Have your child fill each egg cup with a few spoonfuls of potting soil.

3. Poke a small hole in the dirt with a finger and drop in a seed, then cover it up gently.

4. Use a spray bottle to lightly water the seeds.

5. Place the carton on a sunny windowsill and check it daily.

6. Talk about 'second chances' and how we can help things (and animals) thrive with constant care.

You will need:

• Book and read along

• Empty egg carton

• Potting soil

• Green bean seeds

Bake heart-shaped dough tokens to give to friends or neighbors as a reminder of the kindness shown to Pennygirl. Discussion Tip: Ask your child, 'Who is someone in our neighborhood who might be feeling lonely today? How can we show them kindness like the rescuers showed Pennygirl?'

Instructions:

1. Mix 2 cups of flour, 1 cup of salt, and 1 cup of water in a large bowl until it forms a dough.

2. Knead the dough on a floured surface until smooth.

3. Roll the dough out and let your child use a heart-shaped cutter to make several tokens.

4. Bake the hearts at 250°F (120°C) for about 2 hours until hard (adult supervision required).

5. Once cool, you can paint them or leave them natural, writing 'Kindness' on them with a marker.

6. Go for a walk together and leave a 'kindness token' for a neighbor or friend to brighten their day.

You will need:

• Book and read along

• All-purpose flour

• Table salt

• Heart cookie cutter