Ask kids to write a paragraph about things they enjoy doing. Remind them of Nanny the goat's quote "you can have too much of a good thing." Then ask them to write a sentence or two explaining why there should or should not be limits placed upon the things they enjoy. For example, if a child loves to eat ice cream she can list her favorite and the way she likes to eat it. She can then write that too much ice cream can cause stomachaches or "brain freeze." Finish the assignment by telling the kids to write a piece of wisdom about their topic such as eat ice cream in moderation.
Ace is not like his brothers and sisters. When the farmer asked Ace if he wanted to go to market with his siblings Ace said no. When the farmer returned, he said "Saved your bacon." Ask the kids what the farmer meant and why he took the pigs to market. Explain the reality of Farmer Tubbs' statement. About mid-book, Nanny states a common fact "humans have always killed animals." Remind the kids that commonly eaten food like bacon and ham both come from pigs. Then move on to the fantasy aspect of the story. Tell the children that pigs speaking and understanding language is a fantasy; it is not real. Follow up by asking them to point out other fantasy elements in the book.
At one point in the story Clarence the cat teases Ace about manners. Ace says hello to Nanny and she seemingly ignores him. He doesn't understand why until Clarence says, "You're not supposed to talk with your mouth full, didn't your mother tell you." Ask the kids to list different manners they have been taught. When Ace asks why she can't talk, Clarence replies that it is "rude." Tell the kids to list rude actions. Pair the children up into groups of two and have them act out their lists.
At the end of the story Ace is a famous pig. A newspaper article has been written about him and he appeared on television. He is so popular that he receives fan mail. Give kids envelopes and paper. Tell them to write Ace a letter. The letter can ask Ace questions about his life on the farm or describe what the child likes about Ace. The letter should begin "Dear Ace" and end with "Sincerely" and the child's name. They should also address the envelope the way the books does "The Ace of Clubs, c/o Mr. T. Tubbs."