A Dog Called Himself
on Goodreads (11)
What’s inside...
In 'A Dog Called Himself,' readers are introduced to a unique and resilient stray dog named Himself who navigates life on the streets and learns about self-identity, friendship, and trust through various adventures with humans and other animals. Despite adversity, his cleverness and kind spirit ultimately help him find a loving home. The story, enriched with Kenneth Bird's narrative, emphasizes the essence of hope and the influence of a name in shaping destiny. Additionally, Himself, the only talking dog in Ireland, shares a strong bond with Timothy the Tinker. Opting for a simple life over fame, they keep his ability a secret. However, when Timothy needs money for orphan care, Himself's secret is exposed, leading to his kidnapping by greedy criminals. Determined and resourceful, Himself's journey is a tale of bravery and perseverance as he aims to return to his friend and continue their peaceful life.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
6-10
Length
128 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Why do you think the dog decided to call himself 'Himself'? What might that tell us about how he sees his place in the world?
How did 'Himself' change throughout the story? Can you think of a time when you had to adapt to a new situation?
What do you think are some important lessons that 'Himself' learned during his adventures?
If you were to meet 'Himself,' what questions would you ask him?
How do you think the story would change if it was set in a big city instead of where it took place?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the book, helping them connect personally with the story.
Use the open-ended questions to explore deeper messages and morals within the story, fostering critical thinking.
Discuss the character development of 'Himself' to help your child understand the concept of growth and change over time.
Relate the situations in the book to real-life scenarios your child might encounter to enhance their understanding and empathy.
Celebrate your child’s responses and insights, providing positive reinforcement to build their confidence in expressing their ideas.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Self-acceptance
Explanation: The protagonist, a dog who calls himself 'Himself,' learns to embrace his unique traits and quirks throughout the story.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate their own differences and understand that being unique is a strength, not a weakness.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: Himself encounters various challenges on his adventure, and he must think creatively to navigate through them.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to approach problems with a positive and innovative mindset, helping them to tackle obstacles in their daily lives.
Example Lesson: Friendship and cooperation
Explanation: Throughout his journey, Himself forms bonds with other characters, learning that teamwork can help overcome difficulties.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of building friendships and collaborating with others to achieve common goals.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: As the story progresses, Himself learns to take responsibility for his actions and the effects they have on others around him.
Real-World Application: This lesson highlights the significance of personal responsibility and encourages children to think about how their actions affect others.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: Despite facing setbacks, Himself perseveres and continues his journey with determination.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the value of resilience, understanding that perseverance is key to overcoming challenges in life.