CLAUDE THE DOG RNF by Dick Gackenbach (1979-07-16)
#1 of 21 in Claude Series
on Goodreads (160)
What’s inside...
A dog named Claude exemplifies the true meaning of Christmas generosity by giving away all his gifts to his friend Bummer, who is facing hard times. Despite parting with his presents, Claude is pleasantly surprised when his young master rewards him with an even better gift in return, highlighting the joy of selfless giving during the holiday season.
Discussion points
How do you think Claude felt when he helped others?
What are some ways Claude showed kindness to his friends?
Can you think of a time when you helped someone? How did it make you feel?
Why do you think it's important to be kind and helpful to others?
If you were in Claude’s place, what would you have done differently?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use a warm and curious tone to invite your child into the discussion, showing genuine interest in their thoughts and feelings.
Relate the themes of the book to real-life situations your child might encounter, to help them connect with Claude’s experiences.
Praise your child for thoughtful answers or creative ideas during the discussion, reinforcing their confidence in expressing themselves.
Encourage your child to think about how they can apply Claude’s acts of kindness in their own life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: In 'Claude the Dog,' Claude shows kindness by giving his blanket to a shivering dog demonstrating empathy towards others' needs.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of understanding and sharing the feelings of others, reinforcing positive social interactions in school or at play.
Example Lesson: Generosity
Explanation: Claude's selfless act of giving away his blanket to help another encapsulates the essence of generosity.
Real-World Application: This can teach children the value of sharing with others, whether it’s their toys, snacks, or their time, fostering a sense of community and cooperation.
Example Lesson: Joy of Giving
Explanation: Despite losing his blanket, Claude remains joyful, illustrating that the act of giving can bring its own rewards.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to experience how rewarding it can be to make others happy, promoting altruistic behavior.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: Claude's positive attitude after helping another dog shows resilience in the face of his own loss.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to remain positive and find internal satisfaction even when they face personal challenges or losses.