Bella
Chums Series
on Goodreads (5)
What’s inside...
Four stray dogs all with a story to tell of their rescue and how they came to live at Munchy Flats Cottage with their people, Flossie and Jo. The second title in this new series features Bella, a pedigree lapdog spoiled by her elderly owner. When her owner is hospitalized, Bella must live with another family where she is bullied and teased by the other dogs, leaving her unhappy and disheveled. After her owner passes away, Bella struggles to adjust to her new life with her bullying siblings. Eventually, after being bullied again in the park, her new owners decide to find her a more suitable home. They take her to Munchy Flats Cottage where she finally finds happiness and settles in nicely with Buster, concluding her journey with a heartwarming ending.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-9
Length
64 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Bella
Bella'S Father
Discussion points
How do you think Bella felt when she faced challenges and how would you feel in her place?
What are some ways Bella showed kindness to others and how can you apply that in your daily life?
Why is it important to have friends like those Bella had, and what qualities do you value in your friends?
How did Bella change from the beginning of the book to the end, and what do you think caused those changes?
What is the most important lesson Bella learned, and how would you use that lesson in your own life?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage children to relate their personal experiences to Bella’s journey, which fosters empathy and deeper understanding. Ask open-ended questions that prompt more than yes or no answers, encouraging critical thinking and personal expression. Highlight the themes of friendship, resilience, and personal growth found in the book, connecting them to real-life situations that your child may encounter. Share your own insights and feelings about the book’s events, demonstrating that discussions can have multiple perspectives and that their thoughts have value.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: Bella demonstrates empathy by understanding her friend's feelings and perspectives, which helps resolve conflicts.
Real-World Application: Children can apply empathy in their interactions with friends and family, learning to listen and understand others' emotions and viewpoints.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Bella learns to take care of her pet, which teaches her the importance of responsibility and dedication.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to take responsibility for their own tasks, such as doing homework on time or caring for a family pet.
Example Lesson: The value of perseverance
Explanation: Throughout the book, Bella faces challenges but learns to persevere and not give up easily, which ultimately leads to personal growth.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to persist through difficulties in their own lives, be it in learning new skills or facing academic challenges.
Example Lesson: Appreciating Differences
Explanation: The story shows Bella interacting with diverse characters, learning to appreciate and embrace differences.
Real-World Application: This can teach children the importance of inclusivity and respecting people from various backgrounds in their schools and communities.