A Dog Named Toe Shoe (Scrambled Legs)
#10 in Bad News Ballet Series
on Goodreads (9)
What’s inside...
An abandoned dog is not something any of the gang can ignore. Meanwhile, Rocky is being forced to move from Deerfield. Someone needs to think of a plan to keep both Rocky and the dog in the same place.
Discussion points
How do you think Toe Shoe feels when she gets lost? Can you share a time you felt the same?
What would you have done if you were in Toe Shoe's place during her adventure?
Toe Shoe meets many friends along the way. How do you think friendships help us when we face challenges?
What is the most important lesson Toe Shoe learns during her adventures?
If you could add another adventure for Toe Shoe, what would it be and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate their personal experiences to Toe Shoe’s journey, fostering empathy and self-reflection.
Ask your child to predict what might happen next at various points in the story to enhance their anticipation and storytelling skills.
Discuss the importance of friendships and teamwork, highlighting how Toe Shoe's friends helped her through challenges.
After reading, engage in a creative activity like drawing a new friend for Toe Shoe or imagining a new adventure, to deepen their connection with the story.
Praise your child's insights and thoughts during the discussion to boost their confidence and encourage deeper thinking.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and cooperation
Explanation: The story showcases the main character and their friends working together to solve problems and help each other during the dance competition.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by engaging in group activities where teamwork is essential, such as sports or school projects, learning to collaborate and value each other's input.
Example Lesson: Perseverance and resilience
Explanation: Toe Shoe the dog faces several challenges but continues to strive and never gives up, demonstrating perseverance.
Real-World Application: Kids can be encouraged to persist in their tasks, like learning a new skill or subject, despite difficulties, fostering a resilient mindset.
Example Lesson: Embracing uniqueness
Explanation: Toe Shoe is not like typical dogs and his unique qualities are ultimately what makes him shine in the competition.
Real-World Application: This story can help children understand the importance of embracing their unique traits and talents, which can boost self-esteem and peer acceptance.
Example Lesson: Compassion and empathy
Explanation: Characters in the book show care and understanding toward each other, teaching the reader about the importance of being empathetic.
Real-World Application: Children learn to practice empathy and compassion in their interactions with friends and family, helping them build stronger, more supportive relationships.