Aggie and Ben: Three Stories
Aggie and Ben Series
What’s inside...
A funny and sweet early reader about a new friendship between a boy, Ben, and his dog, Aggie. The story begins with Ben's Dad surprising him with a trip to the pet store where Ben is unsure of what kind of pet he wants. Upon encountering a puppy that makes him laugh, Ben decides on adopting it, thus forming a lasting friendship. The book, the first in the series, is divided into three short chapters that outline a day in the lives of Ben and Aggie as they get to know each other. The illustrations by Dormer combined with the text by Ries effectively capture the special bond between Ben and his lovable, loyal dog, making it a delightful read for young readers who will look forward to more adventures of Aggie and Ben.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
48 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Ben
Aggie
Discussion points
How do you think Ben felt when he first met Aggie? Can you relate to his feelings?
What are some ways Ben shows he cares for Aggie in the stories?
Why do you think it's important for Aggie and Ben to spend time together?
What would you do if you had a pet like Aggie? How would you take care of it?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the story by relating to their own experiences with pets or friends.
Discuss the responsibilities involved in caring for a pet and how Ben handles these responsibilities.
Highlight the friendship between Ben and Aggie and ask your child about their friendships and what makes them special.
After reading, engage with your child by doing a fun activity like drawing their favorite scene from the book or imagining their own story about a pet.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Ben learns to take care of his new puppy, Aggie, by feeding her, taking her for walks, and ensuring she is happy and healthy.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by taking responsibility for their own tasks, such as cleaning their room, completing homework, or caring for a pet.
Example Lesson: Friendship
Explanation: The story explores the growing bond between Ben and Aggie, showing how patience, kindness, and understanding are vital in building a strong friendship.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to build and maintain friendships by being kind, understanding, and supportive to their peers.
Example Lesson: Coping with emotions
Explanation: Ben navigates various emotions as he bonds with Aggie, including joy, frustration, and worry, as he learns the ropes of pet ownership.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand and manage their feelings better, especially in new or challenging situations.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: Ben and Aggie encounter many situations that require creative solutions, such as finding a lost Aggie or soothing her during a thunderstorm.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to think critically and creatively to solve everyday problems, from dealing with a conflict at school to finding a lost item.