Summary:

The Poky Little Puppy is a beloved children’s book written by Janette Sebring Lowrey and illustrated by Gustaf Tenggren. It tells the story of a curious and adventurous puppy who often lags behind his siblings, but ultimately learns the value of obedience and family. Through its charming illustrations and relatable storyline, the book teaches children important lessons about patience, responsibility, and the consequences of disobedience.

The story begins with five little puppies who live with their mother in a cozy den. The Poky Little Puppy, as his name suggests, is always lagging behind his siblings, exploring the world at his own pace. He is easily distracted by the sights and smells around him, often causing him to miss out on important activities. Despite his mischievous nature, the Poky Little Puppy is adored by his family and always manages to find his way back home.

One day, the puppies’ mother warns them about the dangers of going into the nearby strawberry patch. She tells them that if they disobey her, they will not get any dessert. The Poky Little Puppy, however, cannot resist the temptation and ventures into the forbidden patch. He spends the day feasting on strawberries, completely oblivious to the consequences of his actions.

When the puppies return home, they find their mother waiting for them. She scolds them for their disobedience and reminds them of the consequences. The other puppies, who had followed their mother’s instructions, are rewarded with a delicious dessert. The Poky Little Puppy, on the other hand, is left without any dessert because of his disobedience.

As the days go by, the Poky Little Puppy continues to lag behind his siblings, always getting into trouble. He misses out on family outings and experiences the consequences of his actions. Eventually, he realizes that being obedient and following the rules brings rewards and keeps him out of trouble. He learns the importance of listening to his mother and staying with his family.

Lessons in Patience and Responsibility:

The Poky Little Puppy teaches children valuable lessons about patience and responsibility. The puppy’s impulsive nature and desire to explore serve as a reminder that sometimes it’s important to slow down and think before acting. The story also emphasizes the importance of being responsible and following rules, as disobedience can lead to negative consequences.

The Power of Family:

Another key theme in The Poky Little Puppy is the power of family. Despite his mischievous behavior, the puppy’s family loves and cares for him. The story highlights the importance of sticking together, supporting one another, and the unconditional love that exists within a family unit.

The Consequences of Disobedience:

The book also teaches children about the consequences of disobedience. The Poky Little Puppy’s actions lead to him missing out on dessert and other family activities. This serves as a valuable lesson for young readers, illustrating that disobedience can have negative repercussions and that it’s important to think about the consequences before making choices.

• Patience and responsibility are important virtues to cultivate.
• Family love and support are invaluable.
• Disobedience can lead to negative consequences.

“And the Poky Little Puppy, who had once had no dessert at all, had plenty of dessert every day after that.”

The Poky Little Puppy is a timeless classic that continues to captivate young readers with its relatable characters and important life lessons. Through its engaging storyline and beautiful illustrations, the book encourages children to be patient, responsible, and obedient while emphasizing the importance of family and the consequences of disobedience.