• Introduce and expose students to the /p/ sound represented by the letter p.
• Build oral comprehension skills.
• Model fluent reading.

Story Summary
Pete wants his papa to get him a pet. But, Papa doesn't seem to think that any of Pete's pet ideas will work out. Pigs are too sloppy, parrots peck people, and penguins only like the cold. Finally, Pete picks a pet that Papa also gets excited about—a puppy. 

Build Background
Ask students if they have ever had a pet. Discuss whose idea it was to get the pet. Invite them to describe their pet and how they got it. 

Preview the Book
Read the title and ask students to identify the sound at the beginning of the words pets and pests. Explain that you will read a story aloud that has many words with the /p/ sound. Have students say the /p/ sound.

Write pets and pests on the board. Read each word aloud to students. Have volunteers come to the board and take turns circling the letter that stands for the /p/ sound in the words. 

Open the book and show students the illustrations on each page. Ask them to identify any words with the /p/ sound from the pictures. Invite students to predict what the story might be about. 

During Reading
Read the story aloud with expression, emphasizing the /p/ sound in the words. Ask students to clap their hands each time they hear the /p/ sound. Point out that they might hear the /p/ sound at the beginning, in the middle, or at the end of the word. 

Allow students to ask questions during reading. Pause occasionally to ask students to predict what might happen next. 

After Reading
Reader Response
Have students explain whether the book is fiction or nonfiction. Invite them to summarize the story and/or describe their favorite part. 

Comprehension
Ask specific questions that allow students to demonstrate their understanding of the book.

• Where is the setting of this story?
• How does Papa feel about many of the animals Pete wants for a pet?
• Which pet does Pete finally get?