Bad Dog, Marley!
Marley Picture Books Series
What’s inside...
Make way for Marley! Mommy, Daddy, Cassie, and Baby Louie welcome Marley, a lovable puppy, into their home. But Marley doesn't stay a pint-sized pup for long. He grows and grows, and the bigger Marley gets, the bigger trouble he gets into. Big, bad-boy trouble. Will this family have to find a new home for their misbehaving pooch, or will he prove he can be a good boy? Mommy, Daddy, Cassie, and Baby Louie welcome Marley, their new Labrador pup, into their family. But Marley doesn't stay a tiny puppy for long. He grows and grows, and the bigger Marley gets, the bigger trouble he gets into. Big, bad-boy trouble. Whether it's chewing Mommy's reading glasses or swallowing Daddy's paycheck, Marley is a dog like no other. He tries to be a good dog, honest he does, but everything he tries ends up bad. Then one day Marley goes too far. Will this family have to find a new home for their big, crazy, pure-hearted dog? Inspired by John Grogan's bestselling memoir, Marley & Me, this heartwarming story shows that loving someone, flaws and all, can reap huge rewards.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
2-6
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Why do you think Marley behaved the way he did, and what could the family have done differently to help him?
How did Marley show he cared for his family despite his mischief? Can you think of ways people show love even when they make mistakes?
What does this story teach us about patience and forgiveness?
How did the family's feelings toward Marley change throughout the book? Have you ever changed your opinion about someone?
What would you do if you were Marley's owner? How would you handle his naughty behavior?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts on Marley's actions and the family’s reactions. Avoid leading questions; instead, use prompts like 'What do you think?' or 'How would you feel?'. Relate discussions to your child’s experiences, such as dealing with mistakes or misbehavior, to deepen their understanding and connection to the story. Use the book’s illustrations to help your child describe different scenes and actions, aiding their comprehension and recall abilities.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Marley's antics in the book teach children about the responsibilities involved in caring for a pet.
Real-World Application: Children learn that owning a pet requires time, effort, and patience, helping them develop a sense of responsibility towards living beings.
Example Lesson: Forgiveness
Explanation: Despite Marley's misbehavior, his family continues to love and forgive him, illustrating the power of unconditional love and forgiveness.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to understand the importance of forgiving others who may make mistakes, reinforcing positive social interactions.
Example Lesson: Patience
Explanation: The family’s response to Marley's behavior highlights the essential trait of patience, especially when dealing with challenging situations.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to practice patience in their daily interactions with others, enhancing their emotional regulation skills.
Example Lesson: Consequences
Explanation: Marley faces mild consequences for his bad behavior, such as being sent to time out, which highlights that actions have consequences.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand that their actions can lead to various outcomes, encouraging them to make thoughtful decisions.
Example Lesson: Joy of Companionship
Explanation: Despite the troubles Marley causes, he also brings great joy and companionship to his family, showcasing the positive aspects of pet ownership.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of companionship and the joys that come from caring relationships, which can be important for their emotional development.