Bubbly Beautiful Kitty-Corn

by Shannon Hale

Kitty and Unicorn continue their heartwarming friendship as they explore the meaning of being 'bubbly' and 'beautiful.' The story highlights the challenges of trying to fit a specific mold and the joy found in being authentically yourself.

Big Idea

True friendship is built on accepting one another exactly as we are, rather than trying to change to meet perceived expectations.

Discussion Questions

1.What does it mean to be 'bubbly' to Kitty?
2.Why does Kitty feel pressure to change her appearance?
3.How does Unicorn show support for Kitty?
4.In what ways do friends help us feel more confident?
5.What does the ending teach us about self-love?

Lesson Plan

⏱ 45 minutes📦 Poster board, glue, scissors, old magazines, markers

Learning Goals

Identify personal character strengths
Practice self-expression through art
Understand the importance of self-acceptance
Reflect on friendship dynamics

Activity Steps

1.Brainstorm three unique traits about yourself
2.Collect magazines, paper, and art supplies
3.Cut out images or words that represent your personality
4.Arrange and glue items onto a poster board
5.Share your collage with a partner

Standards Connections

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.K.1
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.K.8
SEL-Self-Awareness
SEL-Relationship Skills

Printable Teacher’s Guide

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Pace-Write-Read Study with Pace-Write It!

Shannon Hale uses pacing to mirror the internal emotional arc of her characters. By shifting between Kitty's insecurities and Unicorn's steady reassurance, the reader experiences the ebb and flow of confidence.

Element	How to notice or teach it in the novel
Pacing	Encourage students to read the dialogue-heavy sections faster to show excitement, and slower during moments of self-reflection.
Plot	The plot relies on a simple misunderstanding that blossoms into a realization; track the character's 'worry' versus 'joy' levels.
Prosody	Model reading the 'kitty-corn' sound effects with exaggerated enthusiasm to emphasize the playful tone.
Word	Focus on the specific adjectives Hale chooses to contrast Kitty's feelings of inadequacy with Unicorn's positive affirmations.
Voice & Worldview	Identify the distinct voices of the two characters and how their worldviews shape their friendship.

Pace-Write It!

Write a short letter to a friend describing one thing you admire about them that makes them 'bubbly' and unique.

Classroom Activities

My Unique Sparkle Collage

Students create a visual collage representing their own unique traits that make them 'bubbly' and 'beautiful' in their own way.

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Discussion questions PWR workshop PDF download