A New Barker In The House (Turtleback School & Library Binding Edition)
The Barker twins Series
on Goodreads (113)
What’s inside...
Twins Moffie and Morgie are excited when they hear that their family is adopting a three-year-old Hispanic boy named Marcos. Initially, Marcos, who only speaks Spanish, finds it difficult to adjust to his energetic new siblings. However, with patience and understanding from both sides, the family soon becomes a happy and harmonious unit. The story incorporates several Spanish words and their translations, making it an educational read for children aged 4 to 7. This heartwarming tale about adoption and cultural integration is sure to resonate with readers, especially those in adoptive families.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-9
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Cassie felt when the new dog arrived? Have you ever felt similar when meeting someone new?
What are some ways Cassie tried to make friends with the new dog? Can you think of a time you tried to make a new friend?
Why do you think it's important to be kind and welcoming to newcomers?
How do you think the story would change if Cassie and the new dog didn’t become friends?
What did you learn about friendship from this book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive tones and voices for different characters to make the reading experience more immersive and engaging for your child.
Ask your child to guess what might happen next in the story before turning the page, to encourage prediction and inferential skills.
After reading, encourage your child to draw a picture of their favorite scene or character from the book. Discuss why they chose that particular scene or character.
Connect the story to your child’s experiences by discussing any similar situations they've encountered and how they felt.
Encourage empathy by discussing the emotions of each character and why they might feel that way.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Adaptation to change
Explanation: In 'A New Barker In The House', the story introduces a new pet to the household, highlighting how characters adapt to this change.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to embrace changes in their own lives, such as moving to a new school or welcoming a new sibling, with positivity and openness.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: The book demonstrates the responsibilities involved in caring for a pet, emphasizing routine tasks such as feeding and walking.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply this lesson by taking on small responsibilities at home, like caring for a pet or helping with chores, enhancing their sense of duty and accountability.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: Characters in the book show concern and affection towards the new pet, teaching empathy and kindness.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to understand and share the feelings of others, whether it's with pets or their peers, fostering more compassionate interactions.
Example Lesson: Family Dynamics
Explanation: The book explores how each family member reacts differently to the new pet, offering insights into family dynamics and relationships.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children appreciate the unique roles and perspectives of each family member, promoting harmony and understanding at home.