Don't Forget the Bacon! facts for kids
Book cover
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| Author | Pat Hutchins |
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| Illustrator | Pat Hutchins |
| Country | England |
| Language | English |
| Subject | Shopping |
| Genre | Children's literature |
| Publisher | Bodley Head |
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Publication date
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1976 |
| Media type | Print (Hardcover) |
| OCLC | 001504849 |
| LC Class | 75017935 |
Don't Forget the Bacon! is a popular children's book. It was written and drawn by Pat Hutchins. The book came out in 1976. This fun story is about a little boy. He tries to remember a list of groceries his mom asks him to buy.
The book has been used in schools. It helps kids learn important early skills. Many teachers find it useful for teaching. It can help children with reading and memory. The book also helps explain miscommunication. This means when people don't understand each other. It was a hit in both England and the United States. Many groups, like the American Library Association, liked it. It was even suggested for reading challenges in Australia. It was also part of World Book Day in 2008.
Contents
What Happens in the Story?
The story starts with a little boy and his dog. They leave home to go shopping for his mom. The boy needs to remember a list of things. His mom's list is: "six farm eggs, a cake for tea, a pound of pears, and don't forget the bacon". A butterfly also joins them on their trip.
The Boy's Tricky Memory
To remember the list, the boy says it to himself. But as he walks, he sees things that make him confused. These sights play tricks on his memory. One by one, the items on his list change in his mind. He starts thinking about the wrong things.
- "Six farm eggs" first becomes "Six fat legs". Then it changes to "Six clothes pegs".
- "A cake for tea" first becomes "A cape for me". Then it changes to "A rake for leaves".
- "A pound of pears" first becomes "A flight of stairs". Then it changes to "A pile of chairs".
Shopping for the Wrong Things
By the time he gets to the store, the boy has forgotten the original list. He now thinks he needs "Six clothes pegs, a rake for leaves, a pile of chairs, and don't forget the bacon". He goes into a junk shop. He tells the shopkeeper, "Six clothes pegs, a rake for leaves, and a pile of chairs please!"
The shopkeeper is confused by this strange list. He helps the boy figure out what happened. The shopkeeper realizes the boy had the right items in mind earlier. But he got them mixed up!
Remembering and Forgetting
On his way home, the boy starts to remember the original items. He corrects his mistakes one by one. He says to himself, "Six farm eggs, a cake for tea, and a pound of pears." He is happy that he finally remembered these three things! He now has the correct items.
But when he gets home, he realizes something important. He forgot the bacon! He shouts, "I FORGOT THE BACON!" His mom then sends him back out. He takes his dog with him. He probably goes to buy the bacon he forgot. As he walks, he tells himself something important. Next time, he will write down the list. This way, he won't get distracted and forget again.
About the Author: Pat Hutchins
Pat Hutchins was born on June 18, 1942. She grew up in Yorkshire, England. She went to art school for three years on a special scholarship. Then she studied illustration at the Leeds College of Art.
Pat Hutchins's Books
Pat Hutchins wrote and illustrated many children's books. Her first book for kids was Rosie's Walk. It was named an ALA Notable Book in 1968. This means it was recognized as a great book. Her book The Wind Blew won the 1974 Kate Greenaway Medal. This is a big award for children's book illustrations in the UK. Pat Hutchins lives in London. She has written twenty-five books for children and five novels for adults.
