A Delightful Journey of Imagination: Review of What Should I Be? – The Tales of Peter Puppy

Introduction: A Bedtime Story That Sparks Dreams

Every parent knows the magic of a good bedtime story—one that not only lulls children to sleep but also ignites their imagination. What Should I Be? – The Tales of Peter Puppy by Yonit Werber is one such gem, a charming collection of funny and heartwarming stories that follow the adventures of Peter Puppy as he explores different career possibilities.

This book isn’t just about a puppy’s whimsical dreams—it’s a celebration of curiosity, self-discovery, and the joy of imagining the future. Whether you’re looking for a lighthearted read-aloud or a story that subtly encourages kids to think about their aspirations, Werber’s book delivers in spades.

Plot Summary: A Puppy’s Playful Career Exploration

Peter Puppy is an endearing little dog with a big imagination. Each story in this collection follows him as he tries on different “careers,” from a firefighter to a chef, a doctor, and even an astronaut. Through playful scenarios, Peter discovers the fun (and sometimes hilarious) challenges of each role.

Without giving away too much, one standout tale involves Peter attempting to be a chef—only to realize that cooking is harder than it looks when his pancakes turn into a comedic disaster. Another sees him pretending to be a superhero, learning that bravery isn’t just about capes but also about helping others.

The episodic structure makes it perfect for bedtime reading—each story is self-contained, allowing parents to pick and choose based on their child’s mood.

Character Analysis: Peter Puppy—The Every-Puppy Kids Love

Peter Puppy is an instantly relatable protagonist. His boundless enthusiasm and occasional clumsiness make him feel like a real child in puppy form. He’s not perfect—he makes mistakes, gets frustrated, and sometimes bites off more than he can chew (sometimes literally!). But that’s what makes him so endearing.

What stands out most is his growth across the stories. While each tale is humorous, there’s always a subtle lesson—whether it’s perseverance, kindness, or simply the idea that it’s okay to change your mind. Peter isn’t just role-playing; he’s learning about himself, which makes this more than just a silly romp.

Writing Style & Narrative Technique: Playful, Engaging, and Perfect for Read-Alouds

Werber’s writing is light, rhythmic, and full of playful energy—exactly what you’d want in a children’s book. The dialogue is snappy, the pacing keeps young listeners engaged, and the humor lands perfectly.

One of the book’s strongest aspects is its interactive quality. The narration often breaks the fourth wall, asking questions like, “What would YOU do if you were a firefighter?” This invites kids to participate, making it more than just a passive listening experience.

The illustrations (if included in the edition) likely complement the text well, though since I read the Kindle version, I can only imagine how vibrant a physical copy would be.

Themes & Deeper Meanings: More Than Just a Funny Story

Beneath the laughs, What Should I Be? carries important themes for young readers:

  • Exploration & Curiosity – Peter’s adventures encourage kids to dream big and try new things.
  • Resilience & Adaptability – Not every career Peter tries works out, but he always bounces back.
  • Self-Discovery – The book subtly suggests that figuring out what you love is a journey, not a single decision.

It’s a refreshing contrast to books that push a single “dream job” narrative. Instead, Werber celebrates the process of imagining possibilities.

Personal Reading Experience: Why This Book Stood Out

As someone who’s read countless children’s books (both as a reviewer and an aunt to a very opinionated five-year-old), I can say this one stands out for its humor and heart. My niece giggled uncontrollably at Peter’s astronaut mishap (let’s just say zero gravity and puppy paws don’t mix well).

What I appreciated most was how natural the lessons felt. Some children’s books can be heavy-handed with morals, but here, the messaging is woven seamlessly into the fun.

Comparison to Other Works in the Genre

Fans of What Should I Be? might also enjoy:

  • When I Grow Up by Al Yankovic – Another humorous take on career exploration.
  • Oh, the Places You’ll Go! by Dr. Seuss – Similar themes of dreaming big, though more abstract.

Werber’s book is more grounded in everyday scenarios than Seuss’s whimsy, making it easier for kids to project themselves into Peter’s shoes.

Strengths & Minor Weaknesses

Strengths:

✅ Humor that lands – Kids will laugh at Peter’s antics.
✅ Interactive elements – Engages young listeners.
✅ Encourages imagination – Great for sparking conversations about the future.

Minor Weaknesses:

⚠️ Some stories feel slightly rushed – A few adventures could’ve been expanded.
⚠️ Illustrations dependent on edition – The Kindle version I read had simple images; a print copy might be more vibrant.

Target Audience: Who Will Love This Book?

  • Ages 3-7 – Perfect for preschoolers and early readers.
  • Parents who want playful yet meaningful stories – More substance than just silliness.
  • Teachers & librarians – Great for group readings and career-themed lessons.

Memorable Quotes & Passages

“Being a chef isn’t just about wearing a funny hat—it’s about making something others will love!”

“Maybe I don’t have to be just one thing. Maybe I can try them all!”

These lines capture the book’s spirit—whimsical yet thoughtful.

Final Verdict: A Must-Have for Bedtime or Storytime

What Should I Be? – The Tales of Peter Puppy is a winning combination of humor, heart, and imagination. It’s the kind of book kids will ask for again and again—not just because it’s funny, but because it makes them feel like they’re part of the adventure.

🔗 Get the Book: Amazon

Discussion Questions for Readers:

  • Which of Peter’s careers would your child want to try?
  • Do you prefer episodic stories or longer narratives for bedtime?
  • What’s the funniest career mishap you’ve ever imagined?

Let me know your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear which Peter Puppy tale was your favorite! 🐶📖

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